How Is Boeing Using RFID in Its Aircraft?

Radio frequency identification (RFID) systems are used to obtain information about an object or person using information transmitted by radio waves, according to "RFID Journal." Examples of RFID technologies include bar codes and smart labels that have an embedded chip containing data.

Types

Boeing has tested both active and passive smart label RFID technology on its aircraft, Boeing reports. Passive RFID technology is not equipped with a power source and is activated by a reading device at a distance of around 10 feet, while active RFIDs have a power source to transmit data to reading devices within around 300 feet. Passive RFID technology was licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration following tests by Boeing and Airbus.

Safety

RFID technology is used by Boeing to save work hours used for checking safety equipment on aircraft. Before each flight, members of the crew must physically check equipment, such as life jackets placed under each seat. By using a hand-held reading device, a flight crew member can quickly check the location of each life vest on board an aircraft when the equipment has an RFID antenna.

Parts

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner uses RFID smart labels to reduce costs by monitoring the maintenance history of significant parts, which have a limited lifespan. RFID technology can store large amounts of data, allowing parts to be monitored and ordered without the need to access the parts physically.

References

• "RFID Journal: What is RFID?"
• Boeing: Media
• Boeing: "Tag, You're It"