Automated Aircraft Inspection System: The maintenance of an Aircraft (MRO- maintenance, repair and overhaul) requires multiple types of operations including general visual inspections (GVIs). The way GVIs are being done has not evolved for 40 years. They are time-consuming and rely on heavy equipment to get access to upper areas. Both repeatability and traceability are limited, with many factors jeopardizing performance.
GVIs can be defined as (non-exhaustive list):
- Painting condition check,
- Safety marking readability check,
- Pre-delivery quality check,
- Lightning strikes identification,
- Dent identification and characterization
The proposed system supports maintenance teams for these GVIs. The system is based on: • a 100% automated drone to carry out GVIs in less than 2 hours (image recording). • and a digital solution with an image analysis software and reporting capability.
PS: Source: the definition of the considered system is largely inspired by the one commercialized by DONECLE company Toulouse, France.