MEMKO rolls out non-intrusive flight test solution for rapid aircraft trials

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MEMKO has introduced its first market product, the Non-Intrusive Flight Test Instrumentation (NIFTI) system, designed to streamline flight trials with rapid, affordable, and flexible testing capabilities. 

Developed in collaboration with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Air Warfare Centre (AWC) and the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG), NIFTI offers a significant departure from traditional flight test systems.

According to the company, unlike conventional flight test setups, which require extensive modifications to aircraft, NIFTI is a compact, aircraft-independent, wireless sensing system.

It collects environmental, acceleration, and structural response data through sensor nodes that can be easily adhered to an aircraft’s interior or exterior without interfacing with its systems. 

Sam Mancarella, MEMKO’s director of Systems Engineering and lead developer of NIFTI, emphasised the flexibility and cost-effectiveness of the system. 

“The ability to rapidly deploy any number of NIFTI Sensor Nodes, as needed, to any aircraft means that flight tests can offer valuable insight on specific aircraft in an affordable, easy-to-use way,” said Mancarella.

NIFTI nodes can be programmed through various methods, including a countdown timer, scheduled start and stop times, or wireless control. 

Multiple nodes can capture synchronized data, all managed via a user-friendly Windows application.

Key features of NIFTI sensor nodes:

  • Aerodynamic profile suitable for external mounting on key areas of interest
  • Endurance of at least two hours at -45ºC and 40 hours in hibernation at 20ºC
  • Variable sample rates of up to 4kHz
  • Available in tri-axial accelerometer configurations
  • Mounting adhesives compatible with aircraft paint systems

NIFTI is available for purchase now at: https://nifti.aero/