AUTO-SCAN/XT:A Handheld Defect Inspection System for LO Aircraft

ABSTRACT:A major cost in maintaining low observable (LO) aircraft is the inspection and repair of the outer mold line (OML) coating system. Airmen survey the entire OML looking for defects, trace defects onto transparent sheets while noting their position relative to surface features, measure and estimate defect size and position, then enter the data into an aircraft maintenance system. IAI proposes to develop an automated inspection tool (AUTO-SCAN/XT) to allow airmen to significantly reduce inspection times, improve inspection accuracy and reduce sources of error in the inspection process. The key innovation is a combination of optical inspection and robotic localization technologies that allows a user to characterize a defect and record its location on the aircraft with a press of a button. This information can then be rapidly uploaded to signature assessment systems. The Phase 1 effort will build on IAIs existing characterization and localization technology and demonstrate the feasibility of applying it to aircraft OML inspection using a breadboard prototype system. The Phase 2 effort will develop an advanced system prototype and demonstrate it in a relevant environment.BENEFIT:The key advantage of AUTO-SCAN/XT is the automatic characterization and registration of surface defects in the OML of low observable aircraft. The system will decrease inspection times and minimize sources of errors. This technology will greatly benefit the Air Force by reducing maintenance costs of LO aircraft while improving aircraft availability.