Veracity Robot Reduces Inspection Costs at Tinker Air Force Base
Veracity Technology Solutions, an AGC Aerospace & Defense company, has successfully developed and delivered a prototype Autonomous Ultrasonic Nondestructive Inspection Instrument (AUNDII), to Tinker Air Force Base. The system is capable of autonomously navigating and scanning the wing skin of the KC-135.
July 09, 2013
Veracity Technology Solutions, an AGC Aerospace & Defense company, has successfully developed and delivered a prototype Autonomous Ultrasonic Nondestructive Inspection Instrument (AUNDII), to Tinker Air Force Base. The system is capable of autonomously navigating and scanning the wing skin of the KC-135.
"This prototype is a game changer in the rapid collection of ultrasonic corrosion data. This system is designed to save the Air Force both time and resources while increasing the mission readiness of our nation's aging fleet," stated Kevin McKinley, President of Veracity Technology Solutions.
The system is capable of capturing Ultrasonic thickness and amplitude A-scan data and compiling into a C-scan format. This data can then determine the amount of corrosion that may have occurred on the KC-135 upper wing skin.
The robot completed a rigorous demonstration process where it achieved 100% acceptance from the Air Force Systems Program Office. One of the required milestones was the completion of a test scan, which resulted in a reduction in inspection time by 35%. The AUNDII system exceeded this as well as 27 other line items requiring 100% completion.
Many of today's military aircraft have reached the end of their suggested life expectancy. With operation and maintenance cuts, new technologies are required to more efficiently ensure the aging aircrafts are airworthy. The current scanning system requires operators to manually place tracks linearly for each inspection area and continually spray water to ensure coupling.
The new system, developed to be an alternative to the current semi-automatic track system, requires the user to only place two navigational poles on the wing to allow for laser triangulation. Ultrasonic scanning is accomplished via a dry-coupled wheel transducer that requires no external coupling fluid. Because the system knows its exact location at all times the AUNDII system can automatically place the scan data at a location on the map of the wing skin. This feature dramatically reduces the post processing time by the inspectors.
Veracity Technology Solutions develops customized nondestructive inspection solutions for aerospace systems and power generation equipment. Veracity technicians use proven, proprietary technology to check for defects or potential problems - on applications such as wings, rotor blades, landing gear, generators, and both gas and steam turbines. The methodology and technology help customers extend the service life of high-value assets, lower inspection costs, and eliminate hazardous processes.
AGC Aerospace & Defense, the unifying brand of private equity group Acorn Growth Companies, is a global supplier of technologies, systems and services that support key commercial and military programs. Capabilities within the AGC Aerospace & Defense portfolio range from financing, engineering, and integration services to manufacturing, logistics, and aircraft modifications. AGC Aerospace & Defense is organized into four operating groups: Composites, Finance, Integrated Defense, and Services.
For additional information, please visit http://www.agcaerospace.com.
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