Boeing, FedEx Test Active RFID Tags on MD-10 Freighter

Boeing and FedEx have jointly initiated an in-service evaluation of active radio frequency identification (RFID) tags on some major airplane parts for a FedEx MD-10 Freighter.

“The RFID technology is designed to help airlines reduce ownership costs by managing repairs and tracking assets,” said Kenneth Porad, RFID program manager for Boeing. “On-airplane use of active RFID technology is making history and setting the stage for wireless sensor networks in the future.”

The tags have been installed in all zones of the airplane including the flight deck, avionics compartment, cargo compartment and wheel wells. It is hoped that the testing phase will also identify potential electromagnetic interference and detrimental environmental effects.

The 120-day in-service evaluation will involve 40 installed tags, which will transmit a signal every three seconds for the first 90 days. Following the 90 days, 10 additional tags with eight kilobytes of memory will be read and encoded with data for 30 days. During this last 30 days of the test, FedEx mechanics will use a portable data terminal to read and write inspection data to the tags during scheduled visits to its Memphis base.

“We’re hoping RFID can improve parts visibility and parts lifecycle visibility,” said James Ford, manager of engineering support for FedEx. “The aircraft records department keeps track of hundreds of parts, and if we could throw RFID tags on those parts, it would reduce the workload significantly.”

The active tags – created by Identec Solutions – are battery powered and contain a microchip and transmitter that operate at the internationally recognized standard frequency of 915MHz. The read-range capability of the active tags is 300 feet compared to the 10-foot read range of passive tags.

Following the test, Boeing will work with the US Federal Aviation Administration to certify that active RFID devices do not adversely affect the operation of any aircraft systems or interfere with continued safety of flight. Use of these tags will benefit the airline industry by improving parts traceability and parts lifecycle management.