Photo credit: www.nasa.gov
Drones Revolutionize Aircraft Pre-Flight Inspections
Near Earth Autonomy, a small business at the forefront of drone technology, has created a groundbreaking solution to expedite pre-flight inspections for commercial aircraft. This innovation emerged from a collaboration with NASA’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program and The Boeing Company.
Before any commercial airline operates a flight, a thorough pre-flight inspection is necessary to ensure safety. Traditionally, this meticulous process can take up to four hours, requiring technicians to inspect various parts of the aircraft, often leading to potential safety hazards and human error.
Leveraging support from NASA and Boeing, Near Earth Autonomy developed a drone-based inspection system through its Proxim business unit. This advanced drone technology can autonomously navigate around a commercial airliner, capturing detailed inspection data in less than 30 minutes. It operates according to a pre-programmed task card that complies with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards for aircraft inspections, mapping its flight path efficiently and accurately. This innovative approach is a significant step towards enhancing both safety and operational efficiency.
“NASA has collaborated with Near Earth Autonomy on various autonomous inspection challenges across multiple sectors,” stated Danette Allen, a senior leader within NASA’s autonomous systems division. “We are thrilled to see this technology making its way into industry applications, aiming to improve efficiency, safety, and the precision of aircraft inspections for the greater public benefit.”
The drone collects high-resolution images during inspections, which are then analyzed remotely. This capability allows maintenance experts to make informed repair decisions swiftly from any location. By comparing new images with historical data, technicians can identify issues such as cracks, popped rivets, and leaks that require attention.
The inspection system is designed to notify users if particular areas need re-examination or if they fail to meet safety standards. Near Earth Autonomy estimates that by implementing drone technology in aircraft inspections, airlines could save approximately $10,000 for each hour of lost revenue caused by unplanned ground time.
In the past six years, Near Earth Autonomy has conducted extensive test flights with its drone technology on Boeing aircraft utilized by major airlines, including American Airlines and Emirates Airlines.
The NASA SBIR / Small Business Technology Transfer program, overseen by the Space Technology Mission Directorate, is dedicated to fostering American innovation by supporting small businesses with novel ideas that meet both NASA’s requirements and those of the industry. Annual solicitations detail specific research needs, focusing on technologies with a strong potential for market success.
Small businesses with 500 or fewer employees, or those collaborating with non-profit research entities like universities or laboratories, are encouraged to participate in the NASA SBIR/STTR program.
Source
www.nasa.gov