Project Title:

Precision Aircraft Surface Inspection Using Airframe Reference Robotics

  94-01	04.07	3910

  Precision Aircraft Surface Inspection Using Airframe Reference 
  Robotics

Abstract:

We propose to develop a compelling and cost effective solution 
to the complex problem of airframe inspection and records 
keeping, using advanced technology from DoD and commercial 
sources. Our solution uses prototype semi-autonomous robotics 
and precision positioning systems developed by our industrial 
partners, state-of-the-art visible and IR imaging technologies 
from DoD-supported R&D programs, and eddy current sensor 
technologies developed at a National Laboratory. The proposed 
integrated system will automate mapping and inspection of 
aircraft exterior surfaces by our robot, AutoCrawler, which will 
traverse all surfaces of the subject wide-body or narrow-body 
aircraft under inspection. Our system will collect precision-
located digitized images of the surface as a position referenced 
2-D plane, analyze them and assist operators in identifying 
existing or developing defects, and relocate each reported item 
upon recall from an eternal archive stored on optical disk. The 
archive is indexed by tail number, date and 2-D coordinate on 
the aircraft.

This technology will enable development of an integrated 
information management system for aircraft that will collect and 
maintain surface condition and aging histories of unprecedented 
detail, resulting in significant cost reductions for commercial 
and military aircraft maintainers, and in greatly increased 
aircraft safety. The same technology will be adapted to other 
end applications, e.g., detailed inspection of tankage; paint 
stripping and painting of aircraft and tankage.

Key Words

Bouillon, Christofferson & Schairer, Inc.
1201 3rd Avenue, Suite 800
Seattle, WA 98101