Airbus has demonstrated he benefits of using UAVs for aircraft visual inspection at the Farnborough International Airshow.
With this new method, the aircraft downtime for inspection is reduced to 10 to 15 minutes, instead of 2 hours using conventional methods.
The images catched up by the UAV cameras and especially those showing any potential non-quality such as scratches, dents and painting defects, are compiled in a 3D digital model, recorded in a database and then analysed.
In addition, picture analysis can be done anytime afterwards and in an office, so the benefits of this innovative tool and process are significant: “The use of this new technology offers better working conditions including improving the safety and comfort for the quality inspectors”, says Nathalie Ducombeau, Airbus head of quality.
