Helium to Repair the Flight Personnel’s Suits at AIA Ambérieu-en-Bugey

To facilitate and improve the repair of the flight personnel’s waterproof suits, the technicians at AIA Ambérieu-en-Bugey are using innovative helium leak detection technology.

The safety-rescue-survival division of the Industrial Aeronautics Workshop (AIA) in Ambérieu-en-Bugey is responsible for repairing the flight personnel’s equipment. One of its workshops specifically handles the waterproof suits of pilots.

To repair the leaks detected in the suits during the annual waterproofing test, technicians visually estimate the repairs needed, then perform a waterproofing check with water. They submerge a mannequin dressed in a pre-weighed blue pajama and the waterproof suit in a bath. After 25 minutes, they undress the mannequin and weigh the pajama. If it has gained more than 50 grams between the two weighings, repairs are needed. The pajama is then scrutinized to identify the wet parts, indicating precisely where the suit needs to be repaired.

However, this process is lengthy: once the suit is removed from the water, the drying time is considerable. The technicians have to handle heavy and bulky materials numerous times. Additionally, it requires significant amounts of water since several baths may be necessary to ensure all leaks are treated.

Therefore, aiming to improve production and address these issues in the pursuit of continuous progress, AIA has partnered with the Rhone-based company Sunaero to test its helium leak detection system.

After the initial visual inspection of the suit, this innovative solution allows for an estimate of the repairs needed even before submerging the suit in water. It can also be used during the treatment of a suit when a leak is difficult to detect despite the waterproofing check with water.

This represents a significant advantage for maintaining the operational condition of aeronautical equipment for the benefit of the Forces.