Lufthansa Technik Logistik has developed a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) transponder that is the first to satisfy the stringent requirements of maintenance operations in aviation.The "Permanent Parts Marking" project, funded as part of the Hamburgaerospace research program, enables aircraft parts to be permanently marked, for the first time not only on the inside but also outside of the aircraft cabin. The technology provides a medium for contactless radio-frequency identification of comprehensive device data over distances of several meters.

The transponder, or tag, is affixed to components which can then be located with a receiving device. Besides its small size and weight (3.2 grammes), sufficient range, functional reliability on metal parts and compliance with all current RFID standards, the tag is resistant to fire, vibration, jolts, humidity, chemicals, the reduced pressure encountered at altitude and temperatures between minus 65 and plus 160 degrees Celsius.

Another advantage is the increased range of the transponder operating in the ultra high frequency range between three (at 868 Megahertz) and one meter (at 960 Megahertz) on metal parts. Measuring only 11 x 41 x 5 millimeters, the transponder can store up to 512 bits of data without a battery.

The transponder will be certified according to SAE Aerospace standard 5678 and RTCA standard DO-160 as well as protection standard Class IP 69K. It is further compatible with RFID standards ISO 18000-6c and EPC Class1 Gen2 and can be encoded in conformity with ATA Spec 2000 Chapter 9-5. The transponder can be purchased with an airworthiness certificate "Form one" of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

Potential applications for the transponder encompass the complete value creation chain of an aircraft part, from production logistics at the original part manufacturer and assembly logistics during aircraft manufacturing on to maintenance processes throughout the complete lifecycle of an aircraft. As the first manufacturer, Lufthansa Technik AG will use the tag on devices of its cabin management and in-flight entertainment system nice®.

Lufthansa Technik Logistik, a subsidiary of Lufthansa Technik AG, was supported in the development by project partners Lufthansa Systems, the Center of Intelligent Objects (ZIO) at the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits (IIS) in Erlangenand Harting Mitronics AG of Biel, Switzerlandsince September 2008. The tag is currently undergoing its qualification process. Series production of the transponder will commence at the end of July 2010.