WIRELESS REMOTE EXPERT NDE SYSTEM METHOD FOR FIELDED MILITARY AND COMMERCIAL AIRCRAFT

摘要

Imperium and Boeing have successfully demonstrated the ability to remotely control theAcoustocam with a wireless network and view its display screen in real time. The purpose of thedemonstration was to show the capability of utilizing the device by a non-specialized user whilebeing monitored by a nondestructive testing expert off-site. The demonstration was performed ina hangar environment and monitored in real time at an off-site facility. Remote sessions will beshown for both military and commercial trials where the operator of the inspection device is atone location and the expert monitoring the inspection at another.Since there is a shortage of trained nondestructive inspection (NDI) specialists in the field, thiscould potentially address the concern of composite airframe operators for a quick simple methodto detect internal damage. For example, if there were a need to inspect the composite structure atan airport terminal, a line mechanic could perform the inspection while guided by the expert inreal time who may be thousands of miles away. The remote expert performs the necessaryquantitative decision-making. These findings will help to alleviate the shortage of trained NDIpersonnel.