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EX-SCAN: Autonomous Inspection System for Aircraft Surface Coatings

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Air Force
Contract: FA9550-15-C-0022
Agency Tracking Number: F14A-T09-0185
Amount: $150,000.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: STTR
Solicitation Topic Code: AF14-AT09
Solicitation Number: 2014.1
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2014
Award Year: 2015
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2015-01-26
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2015-10-26
Small Business Information
15400 Calhoun Drive
Rockville, MD 20855
United States
DUNS: 181423752
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: Yes
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 David Handelman
 (301) 294-4252
 dhandelman@i-a-i.com
Business Contact
 Mark James
Phone: (301) 294-5221
Email: mjames@i-a-i.com
Research Institution
 Carnegie Mellon University
 Dr. Mel Seigel
 
5000 FORBES AVE
PITTSBURGH, PA 15213
United States

 (412) 983-2626
 Nonprofit College or University
Abstract

ABSTRACT: Current methods for inspecting the external surface of manned and unmanned low-observable (LO) aircraft are time consuming and error prone. Technology that can reduce inspection times and minimize human error will benefit the Air Force by significantly increasing aircraft reliability and availability while reducing lifecycle maintenance costs. To address this need, Intelligent Automation and The Robotics Institute at Carnegie Mellon University propose to develop EX-SCAN, an autonomous non-contact inspection system that can detect, register and characterize defects in aircraft external surface coatings. The key innovation is a self-localizing sensor array equipped with an imaging solution and corresponding software that will automatically detect and characterize defects in surface coatings and register their location in the aircraft coordinate system. In Phase I, feasibility of the concept will be demonstrated through the development of a prototype system capable of registering and characterizing sample defects. Phase II will optimize the system hardware and software and test EX-SCAN on representative aircraft. BENEFIT: EX-SCAN will automate the process of detecting, registering and characterizing defects in aircraft external surface coatings. It will decrease inspection time, improve accuracy and eliminate sources of human error. This inspection technology will benefit the Air Force by significantly increasing aircraft reliability and availability while reducing lifecycle maintenance costs.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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