The RAF BBMF works hard to preserve its fleet of historic aircraft. The SAMP project is a crucial but complex effort to bring the BBMF’s old, paper-based manuals into the digital age, making them easier to use and understand. Before SAMP, the BBMF relied on legacy Spitfire Manuals from the 1940s, which were not updated for changes to the aircraft and were hard to read, causing challenges for modern technicians.
Introduction
In the world of aviation, where past meets present, the Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (RAF BBMF) is a symbol of historic aircraft's enduring legacy. Behind the scenes, an exciting story unfolds, filled with dedication, precision, and technological progress. One such project, started in August 2019, is the Spitfire Aircraft Document Set (ADS) Modernisation Programme, affectionately known as “SAMP”. This ambitious initiative aims to update and digitise the original aircraft maintenance manuals used by the BBMF, ensuring these iconic planes can keep flying safely.
Scope of the Project
Starting in August 2019, the SAMP project aimed to modernise the Spitfire Aircraft Maintenance Manuals and Parts Catalogue for various Spitfire aircraft models used by the BBMF, including MK II, V, IX, XVI, and XIX. This comprehensive project is revolutionising how aircraft maintenance is done within the BBMF.
Technical Complexity
The SAMP project is not just a routine update; it’s a big change that requires a lot of technical skill. Updating and digitising old documents, especially those important for aircraft maintenance, requires a deep understanding of both the aircraft’s history and modern technology. The Spitfire, with its different models, presents unique challenges that the SAMP project tackles with care and precision.
Progress and Achievements
The SAMP project is a blend of history and technology in the aviation world. As the RAF BBMF leads this innovative effort, its impact is being felt across the aviation industry. SAMP not only helps ensure the safety of historic aircraft but also sets an example for future projects in updating and modernising essential documents, marking a new era for preserving aviation history.
The existing BBMF technical library had its challenges, with scattered information and outdated documents making maintenance difficult. In response, the SAMP team, which received funding from Air Command under the Aurora Engineering Delivery Partnership, worked with QinetiQ, EleV8 Aviation, and Blueloop Limited to update and digitise the Spitfire ADS. The result is the BBMF Electronic Aircraft Manual System (BEAMS), a user-friendly system accessible via standard web browsers, making it easier for technicians to access crucial information quickly.
The new Spitfire Interactive Electronic Technical Publications are a game-changer for BBMF technicians. Available on laptops and large screens in the hangar, these publications offer step-by-step procedures, dynamic links, and zoom capabilities, making maintenance easier than ever. Hosted in the cloud by Blueloop Limited, the BBMF is among the first to use such advanced technology, setting a new standard within the industry. This commitment to excellence ensures optimal aircraft maintenance for the future.
Building on the success of SAMP, the BBMF is extending the project to other historic aircraft in its fleet, such as the Hurricane and Lancaster, benefiting from the lessons learned. The global interest in this innovative approach was evident when Mark Wilson of EleV8 Aviation showcased the project at an electronic technical publications user forum in Phoenix, Arizona.
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