Robots in Aircraft Inspection, Rotorcraft Pilot and Mechanic Shortage and More
SR Technics Implements Robots in Aircraft Inspection
Switzerland based SR Technics has partnered with New Zealand’s Invert Robotics to implement robots in aircraft maintenance inspections.
The robots are equipped with high resolution inspection camera which records and transmits video images to the ground-based screen. It can then be further processed and analysed for damage detection.
Besides visual inspection, the robots can also be fitted with ultrasound or thermographic sensors to further aid in inspection processes.
According to the company, implementation of such robotic solutions has helped reduce inspection time from hours to minutes, and hence reduction in maintenance costs as well.
Study Forecasts Growing Rotorcraft Pilot and Mechanic Shortage
A joint study conducted by the University of North dakota (UND), Helicopter Foundation International (HFI), and Helicopter Association International (HAI) forecasts growing shortage of pilots and mechanic especially in rotorcraft industry.
According to the report, the cumulative shortage of helicopter pilots in the US between 2018 and 2036 is estimated to be 7,649.
For aviation mechanics, the number is even larger, which stands at an estimated shortage of 40,613 certified aviation mechanics over the next 20 years in the US.
Airbus Faces Resistance from Engine Suppliers on Production Hike Plans
Airbus’ plan to increase production output of its A320neo has received resistance from both engine suppliers Safran and Pratt & Whitney.
Safran said that 70 A320neo output a month, up from the planned monthly output of 60 aircraft is tough to meet and would create strain in their supply chain.
As reported by Bloomberg, Safran’s CEO Philippe Petitcolin said that such high rate would not be possible until after 2021.
Embraer E190-E2 Wins Certification from FAA, EASA and ANAC
Embraer E190-E2 has received type certification from three authorities, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and Brazilian Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC).
This paves the way for E190-E2’s launch customer Wideroe Airlines (Norway) to begin services on April 24 as planned.
E190-E2 is the first member of the E-Jets E2 family of commercial aircraft from Embraer and features new engines, wing and landing gear as compared to the first-generation E190.
Israel’s IAI Introduces New Aircraft Missile Defense System
Elta division of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has introduced a new aircraft missile defense system, the ELL-8270.
This unique electronic warfare system is towed by the aircraft and used as a bait that’s deployed at a safe distance from the aircraft during flight in high-risk areas.
This system transmits signal attracting the missile towards it and thus diverting the threat away from the aircraft.
Other Major Updates for Today
- Leonardo Helicopters won an order for 26 helicopters from Sino-US intercontinental Helicopter Investment at Heli-Expo 2018. This deal is worth more than $147 million.
- Korean Air targets to grow its share of third-party aircraft MRO work, mainly in the engine MRO segment.
- American Airlines has refused to sign lease in $8.5 billion O’Hare International Airport expansion accusing that the deal involved ‘secret provision’ of extra gates for United Airlines.
- Honeywell improves connectivity for S-70 Black Hawk helicopters.
Originally published at aviationoutlook.com on March 1, 2018.
