Support engineering optimizes MRO in several ways

Reduced downtime: by designing systems that are easy to maintain and providing clear and accurate documentation, it minimizes the time required for repairs and inspections.

Lower maintenance costs: it optimizes spare parts inventory, enables efficient maintenance scheduling, and reduces the need for specialized tools and equipment.

Improved reliability and safety: by anticipating potential problems and implementing preventive maintenance procedures, it helps increase system reliability and ensure operational safety.

Optimized training: it facilitates the creation of effective training programs for maintenance personnel by providing clear and appropriate educational materials.

Digitizing support engineering

At SEGULA, digital technology as a whole is playing an increasingly important role in support engineering:

Digital tools: maintenance management software (CMMS), augmented reality systems to guide technicians, and collaborative platforms to facilitate communication between maintenance teams are all digital tools that improve the efficiency of MRO at SEGULA.

Digital twins: virtual replicas of aircraft and their components enable maintenance scenarios to be simulated, problems to be anticipated, and procedures to be optimized before real operations even begin.

⏵At Airbus Helicopters, the HATS (Helicopter Aircrew Training System) training platform has been set up to train teams: thanks to digital twins, pilots and technicians can practice complex scenarios in a realistic virtual environment.

Data and AI: AI applied to maintenance data analysis (failure history, repair times, etc.) enables rapid data standardization, root cause identification, and optimization of operational availability and customer experience.

What does the future hold for support engineering in aeronautics?

Widespread predictive maintenance: AI and machine learning will enable failures to be predicted with greater accuracy, further optimizing maintenance schedules.

⏵Teams are already using HUMS (Health and Usage Monitoring System), an onboard system that collects real-time data on the health and usage of critical aircraft components (engine, transmission, vibrations, etc.). This data makes it possible to anticipate breakdowns, schedule maintenance only when necessary, and thus reduce costs while improving aircraft safety and availability.

Augmented and virtual reality for training and assistance: technicians will be equipped with augmented and virtual reality devices that will provide them with real-time information and guide them through maintenance procedures. These technologies will reduce human error, speed up interventions, and standardize practices.

3D printing: 3D printing, which enables the manufacture of spare parts on demand and in accordance with the design office’s specifications, is likely to be an effective solution for reducing aircraft downtime and overcoming supply chain difficulties, thanks to its speed and low cost.

Expertise and professions related to support engineering:

Maintenance engineers design and optimize maintenance programs.

Maintenance data analysts analyze data to identify trends and optimize operations or design.

Technical documentation designers create clear and precise maintenance manuals and procedures.

Technical training specialists develop and deliver training for maintenance personnel.

Reliability engineers evaluate and improve system reliability.

Maintenance support experts provide technical support and solutions to maintenance teams.

Mickaël Pagnier, Aeronautical Sales Director.

“Although support engineering is increasingly recognized as an essential discipline, there are still relatively few people with specific training in this field. However, university courses and programs now include support engineering modules, which should help increase the number of qualified professionals. More and more SEGULA employees are sharing their expertise and lecturing at colleges and universities on bachelor’s and master’s degree programs.”