SpectraWing: A UAV-Based Multi-Sensor System for Corrosion Evaluation

Amidst the Department of Defense’s (DoD) pressing demand for advanced infrastructure integrity solutions, particularly within the Department of the Navy (DoN), our proposed innovative multi-sensor suite aims to revolutionize guy wire inspection. The critical role of guy wires in stabilizing essential communication and surveillance systems necessitates early detection of defects and corrosion to prevent operational disruptions and ensure personnel safety. Current inspection methods face limitations, with some unable to provide comprehensive subsurface analysis and others impractical for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) deployment. Our solution integrates visible imaging, infrared thermography, with novel, compact  frequency-domain THz spectroscopy tools, offering deep insights into surface and subsurface flaws. Through real-time data fusion and advanced algorithms, our suite enables early detection of potential issues, facilitating proactive maintenance strategies. Tailored for maritime operations, it ensures continuous monitoring without disruption, enhancing operational safety and extending infrastructure lifespan. By leveraging sensor integration expertise with low size, weight, and power (SWaP) THz technology, we present a transformative solution that ensures mission readiness and cost savings for the DoN.