Product Comparison: BVHM vs. Foresight MX HUMS
Learn why operators are choosing Foresight MX for their Bell 212, Bell 412, and Bell 429 aircraft.
Foresight MX is nearly a 20-year advancement in capabilities over the Bell Helicopter Vibration Monitoring (BHVM) system. Not only significantly lighter and less expensive, but Foresight’s advancements in technology create a superior user experience. Here are 10 Questions to keep in mind when choosing a HUMS solution for your fleet.
BHVM vs. Foresight MX
| BHVM | Foresight MX | Advantage of Foresight | |
| General Details | |||
| STC Year | 2005 | 2021 | 16-year advancement in technology |
| Installed Weight (Bell 412) | ~33 lbs. (wiring weight unconfirmed) | ~22 lbs. with wiring | At least 33% Reduction (11 lbs.) |
| Estimated Installation Time | 180 hours | 120 hours | 55% Reduction due to Foresight MX bused architecture |
| System Overview | |||
| Indicators | 7 Shaft and 6 Gear Condition Indicators | 12 Shaft, 18 Gear, and 7 Bearing Indicators | 184% (24) Increase for superior detection and indication |
| Fault Detection | Standard detection & false-positive rate | 7X superior fault detection due to advanced hardware and algorithms | Superior Fault Detection for reduced false positives |
| HUMS Data Views | Health, Condition, and Fleet comparison | Health, Condition, Raw Signal, and Fleet Comparison | Foresight allows maintainers to view the Raw Signal |
| Remaining Useful Life Prognostics | No | Yes | Only Foresight provides forward looking RUL. |
| Rotor Track & Balance | Basic functionality. Unless Altair Smartcycle Plus included, no regime recognition so RTB and other in-flight data acquisitions are manual via cockpit control head. Can only be viewed after manual download. | Automated acquisition on each flight through multiple regimes. 1 & 2 per rev. options with a system designed to assist maintainer with adjustment selections. | Automated in-flight acquisitions, more regimes, better optimization, and automated download after every flight |
| Flight Data Monitoring | No | FDM with both Chapter 1 & customizable exceedance alerting. Display map and flight playback capability. | Only Foresight allows users to truly understand what happened during a flight and easily track both standard and custom exceedances |
| System Details | |||
| Pedestal Space Requirements | Cockpit Control Head (CCH) and USB Receptacle | None | Foresight MX saves crucial pedestal space |
| Automated Aircraft Data Transfer | No | Yes | Flight data is automatically transmitted within ~2 minutes of shutdown |
| Aircraft Data Transfer Method | Manual via ethernet or USB memory stick to 1 PC | Wireless (WiFi/cellular) automated data | Touchless data downloads with near instant visibility |
| Data Acquisitions | ~3 acquisitions per hour | 30 RTB & 20 drivetrain acquisitions per hour through sensor level processing | 1566% Increase in automated data acquisitions per hour (47) |
| Onboard Data Storage | 0.5 GB | 16 GB Flash storage (up to 64GB) provides >1000 flight hours | 3100% - 12700% Increase Providing >1000 flight hours |
| Accelerometer Type | PZT | MEMS | Foresight MX sensors are essentially maintenance free |
| Installation Bracketry | Standard | High Resonance | Improved fault detection |
| User Experience | |||
| System Alerts | No | Email/SMS Alerts | Provides near-instant notification of alerts post-aircraft shutdown |
| Ground Station Hardware | Requires Local PC running windows-based software | Access from any browser-based device (PC, Mac, Tablet or Phone); unlimited ‘ground stations’ | Foresight users do not require PCs that make have software security installation/update restrictions |
| System Updates | Limited updatability and scalability | Easy updatability via Cloud and wireless connectivity | Only Foresight MX has touchless maintenance updates |
| Integrations | No | Modular bused onboard system enabling new functionality as needed (cameras, satellite data, etc.) | Foresight stays relevant with the latest technology and contract requirements |
| APIs | No | Yes | APIs capable for use with online maintenance tracking systems |
| Location Access | Individual PC deployment architecture | Cloud architecture provides anywhere access to application | Access your fleet health anywhere, anytime through a browser |
| User Access | Single login | User Permission Management | Power users can grant and restrict access to various capabilities as required |
| HUMS Expertise | Needs specialized interpretive expertise | Usable by line personnel | With intuitive colors & normative scales (.75 = warning) simplifies HUMS review for most users |
| Fleet / Aircraft User Interface | Generation 1 Windows-type interface | Modern web-based user-friendly interface | No complex user manuals or heavy training required |
| Fleet Dashboard | Only single aircraft viewable without server access | Integrated fleet access | Entire fleet visibility |
| System Support | |||
| Warranty & Spares | Bell Support and Spares program. | Perpetual warranty with annual subscription. | Foresight users are covered through their entire subscription |
| Customer Support | Bell Product Support | Direct & unlimited technical support through GPMS and Bell Product Support | Both parties are invested in the success of Foresight users |
| Company Business Model | Hardware-focused business & pricing model w/customer sponsored PCs & server. Limited Honeywell investment in the product | HUMS-as-a-Service model lowers up front cost and ensures ongoing development and exceptional product support | Foresight users are ensured excellent customer service through their annual subscription |
* The comparison table above is subject to change due to improvements or updated estimates.