Using drone technology Cranfield University has the expertise and facilities to find more cost-effective and mobile aircraft wing inspection processes.
An unmanned aerial system, or drone, requires little capital investment and could enable mobile quality assurance of aircraft wings, and even be used for ongoing maintenance.
This video shows a proof of concept simulation with flight path planning that can reduce the time it takes to inspect a wing; and advanced flight control, to improve stability of the drone to more clearly identify defects. A UV light is attached to the drone in this video and the team explain a thermal source could similarly be used to identify defects. This is currently being investigated coupled with robotic arm technology in the Aerospace Integration Research Centre, (AIRC).
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