Team Dover is exploring innovative solutions to streamline and enhance aircraft maintenance with the recent trial of a drone program for autonomous inspections of C-5 M Super Galaxy aircraft.
The project, conducted in collaboration with a civilian aviation company, utilized a drone to autonomously map and photograph 34 critical points on the aircraft within a hangar environment. This approach offers significant advantages over traditional methods relying on personnel with harnesses and ladders, reducing safety risks and expediting the inspection process.
“The idea is to keep us from having to put Airmen in harm’s way up on the wings and tail,” said Ken Jones, 436th Mission Generation Group process improvement and innovation manager. Traditionally, such inspections could take hours, whereas the drone completed its task in approximately 10 minutes.
Beyond safety and efficiency, the program possesses the potential for enhanced inspection quality and long-term monitoring. “This allows us to archive the results of the inspection and compare the results over the years,” Jones explained. This comparative analysis might enable predictive maintenance, identifying potential issues before they become significant problems.
While the initial test focused on C-5s, the technology boasts wider applicability. David Murphy, a senior test pilot for Near Earth Autonomy, the involved civilian company, highlighted their extensive experience with C-17 inspections and expressed their commitment to adapting the program for the C-5’s unique size and configuration.
However, challenges remain. Building a precise computer-aided design model of the C-5 proved to be a hurdle, though Murphy remains optimistic that these initial kinks will be ironed out.
Team Dover prides itself on innovation, and this drone program exemplifies their commitment to continuous improvement. “We’re always looking for the best way to do things here,” Jones stated. “It’s a win-win situation to be able to do it better and safer.”
The success of this initial trial could pave the way for wider implementation of autonomous drone inspections across the Air Force, potentially revolutionizing aircraft maintenance practices and contributing to enhanced safety and operational efficiency.
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