Section 6. Maintenance

6.1 - Airframe Log

All maintenance performed on UAS will be logged in the UAS airframe logbook. Each entry will include, at a minimum: the person performing the maintenance action, date, description of the maintenance action, and list of parts replaced.

Changes to the firmware, software, or operating system of the aircraft or autopilot must be logged.

6.2 - Periodic Inspection

All UAS airframes will be inspected for damage every calendar quarter. These inspections will be logged in the UAS airframe logbook. This inspection must include: full power test, control surface check, transmitter/receiver range check, and autopilot functionality check.

6.2.1 - Deployable Aircraft

Any aircraft or equipment package designated as Deployable by the CDRP/DIRT UAS Program Manager will be inspected at least every 14 days. This inspection is preventative and should focus on major damage, missing components or other conditions that would prevent safe operation.

Inspection intervals are set per aircraft in the Maintenance and Inspection System of Record (see 6.5).

6.2.2 - Lithium Polymer Batteries

Lithium Polymer Batteries will be stored a charge level as recommended by the manufacturer. In absence of manufacturer recommendations, the storage charge level will be 60% of maximum voltage.

6.3 - Battery Inspection and Safety

Lithium polymer batteries will be inspected prior to each flight for evidence of physical damage, degraded performance, or swelling due to age. Damaged batteries will not be flown or charged.

Batteries will not be left unattended while charging.

6.4 - Payload Changes

All payload changes will be logged in the UAS airframe logbook. This will included routine swaps of previously flown payloads.

6.5 - Bench and Acceptance Testing

Any activity that changes the operational and/or flight characteristics will require that the UAS undergo bench and flight acceptance testing prior to further use.

Bench testing may be accomplished without propellers or rotors to ensure expected operation of autopilots, control surfaces, servos, etc. Bench testing should be performed before flight acceptance testing.

Flight acceptance testing must be performed prior to operational or research use. Flight testing should be conducted in a remote and secure location, with a limited crew exposure to the untested aircraft.

Changes to any of these systems requires bench and flight testing:

• Structural components of the airframe
• Motors
• Electronic speed controllers
• Power distribution systems
• Radio control transmitter or receiver
• Autopilot or flight controller
• Propellers (reconfigure only)

6.6 - Maintenance and Inspection System of Record

All aircraft and equipment maintenance or inspections will be recorded in the CDRP UAS System of Record. As of 2020, that system is Lantern V1 (Appendix C) and will maintain all official records.