
A Guide to Aircraft Power Train Monitoring
STANDARD published on 1.5.2026
Designation standards: SAE AIR4174B
Publication date standards: 1.5.2026
Country: American technical standard
Category: Technical standards SAE
The purpose of this SAE Aerospace Information Report (AIR) is to provide management, designers, and operators with information to assist them to decide what type of power train monitoring they desire. This document is to provide assistance in optimizing system complexity, performance, and cost effectiveness.
This document covers all power train elements from the point at which energy in a turbine or electric engine is converted via a gear train to mechanical energy for propulsion purposes. The document covers aircraft engine driven transmission and gearbox components, their interfaces, drivetrain shafting, drive shaft hanger bearings, and associated rotating accessories, propellers, and rotor systems as shown in Figure 1. For guidance on monitoring additional engine components not addressed herein (e.g., main shaft bearings and compressor/turbine rotors), refer to ARP1839.
This document addresses rotary and fixed wing applications for rotor, turboprop, turbofan, prop fan, and lift fan drive trains on both commercial and military aircraft.
Information is provided to assist in:
Defining technology maturity and application risk
Cost benefit analysis (value analysis)
Selection of system components
Selection of technology
Managing interface requirements
Defining information flow requirements
SUBFILE: Aerospace
TYPE OF DOCUMENT: Aerospace Standard