Joint development by NLR and PhotonFirst for real-time condition monitoring of helicopters

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At the 2025 Paris Air Show, the Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR) and PhotonFirst jointly announce the development of an innovative SHUMS solution (Structural Health and Usage Monitoring System) for helicopters. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in the development of advanced monitoring technologies for the aerospace sector with real-time monitoring of structural loads and fatigue during flight.

Unplanned downtime and costly repairs pose a significant challenge to helicopter operators, as they can compromise the operational efficiency and safety of flights. Predictive maintenance offers a solution by identifying and addressing potential issues before they become major problems, thereby reducing downtime and risks to crew and passengers whilst also lowering overall maintenance and repair costs. The more accurate loads can be monitored, the better the knowledge about the condition of the structures can be foreseen.

Real-time fiber optic sensing technology

PhotonFirst will launch a new aerospace-certified fiber sensing interrogator at Paris Airshow, specifically designed for operation in extreme conditions. This sensing system, based on optical fiber sensors and integrated photonic chips, will be certified for usage on the NH90 helicopter in July. This certification represents a key milestone in the deployment of fiber optic sensing technology in aviation systems.

In close collaboration with PhotonFirst, NLR is further developing this technology into a fully integrated SHUMS solution, suitable for broad adoption in the helicopter market and beyond. By combining their expertise in sensing technology, airworthiness, and system analysis, the two organisations are setting a new standard for real-time monitoring of structural loads and fatigue during flight—a crucial enabler for predictive maintenance and operational readiness.

Tineke van der Veen, CEO of NLR: “ As an applied research centre we aim for practical solutions that make aviation safer and more efficient. Therefore we fully support this outstanding health monitoring solution as it provides the real-time condition of structures due to actual loads.”

Leendert-Jan Nijstad, CEO of PhotonFirst, adds: “Our collaboration with NLR is essential in translating our optical sensing solutions into certified applications for global aerospace OEMs. We are proud to be setting a new benchmark in structural health monitoring together.”

From left to right: Jan-Jurien de Rijck, Tineke van der Veen, Leendert-Jan Nijstad, Arno Rook, Michael Haverdings, Edward de Boer

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