Aircraft structural testing equipment

Citation

(2003), "Aircraft structural testing equipment", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 75 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2003.12775aab.033

Aircraft structural testing equipment

Aircraft structural testing equipment

BBA Group announces that its joint venture company, BBA Diagnostics LLC (BBAD), will team with Honeywell to develop and market an innovative automated system to facilitate the rapid inspection of aircraft for corrosion and other structural anomalies.

The structural anomaly mapping (SAM) system is a laser-guided, computer-controlled robotic platform with a series of acoustic and laser sensors for detecting corrosion or other anomalies. SAM is designed to scan an entire aircraft in hours without removing the aircraft from flight status. Traditional aircraft inspection methods, using X-ray or ultrasonic scans can often take days.

SAM will reportedly deliver a 3-D digital image of the inspection results for maintenance evaluation, which can quickly be compared to previous inspections on the aircraft to identify any developing problems. With rapid, consistent, repeatable measures, and an easily accessible digital record of current and previous inspections, it is believed that SAM will improve safety while reducing both the time and cost of maintenance.

BBAD will provide the existing technology and will support Honeywell for further development of the SAM system. BBAD is a joint venture between BBA Aviation and Advanced Power Technologies, Inc. (APTI). Roy McGlone, chief executive of BBA said:

“We are pleased and excited to establish this relationship with Honeywell. BBA and Honeywell have a shared objective of providing innovative, cost-saving solutions in aviation services. This agreement will accelerate the development of the SAM system, provide significant customer benefits and strengthen the after-market services business for both companies.”