What is RAPID?
RAPID is a drone based automated aircraft damage inspection and integrated reporting system that can reduce the time to carryout an external inspection of large commercial and military aircraft by up to 90%.
How does it work?
RAPID introduces measurable efficiencies across MRO by facilitating a new method of aircraft inspection for both scheduled and unscheduled maintenance purposes. The data captured by RAPID drone technology is collated and disseminated within an operators reporting system.
Drone-based aircraft damage inspection system
RAPID is a Remote Automated Plane Inspection and Dissemination System
RAPID is a highly automated drone based aircraft damage inspection and integrated reporting system that reduces Aircraft on Ground (AOG) time by up to 90% and introduce measurable efficiencies across fleet maintenance by facilitating a new method of aircraft inspection for both scheduled and unscheduled maintenance purposes. Using the RAPID App, the data captured is reviewed, collated and then disseminated within an airline via reporting systems.
Up to 90% time saving to carry out an external aircraft inspection
The future of MRO today
RAPID combines its’ flight control, automation and sensor technologies with innovative 3D visualisation and damage localisation tools that offer aircraft operators and MRO significant cost saving to their operation
On average a commercial aircraft will be struck by lightning at least twice a year and many will also suffer hail stone and foreign object damage that require assessment to ensure any damage is within limits. Every time this occurs an aircraft must undergo a detailed visual inspection before it is allowed the fly again. RAPID can undertake this inspection without the need for specialised access systems and reduces the time before a decision can be made if the plane can fly again. In the case of the average two lightning strikes per year, the estimated saving for a single aisle narrow body is in the region of €10k per survey leading to savings of up to €5M per year for a fleet size of over 200 aircraft.
RAPID Technology
The RAPID systems novelty is its use of automated drone technology to inspect record and report damage on commercial aircraft with unparalleled efficiency and subsequently make the results of the inspection quickly and easily available to all stakeholders. RAPID utilises next generation drone based sensor packages providing detailed direct visual inspection data that is immediately geo-referenced to the aircraft structure. Inspections of such fidelity can currently only be carried out by use of mobile platforms and experienced engineers to manually measure and record the damage locations.
RAPID Safety
RAPID can increase workplace safety whilst maintaining a competitive edge. Traditional survey methods are labour intensive, time consuming and often needs dedicated facilities and infrastructure to be conducted. RAPID uses no heavy or cumbersome equipment that may further damage the aircraft, or puts engineers into potentially hazardous situations.
Hi-Definition Imagery
Intuitive Online User Interface
RAPID features a high definition imaging system providing GVI / DVI equivalent imagery for features as small as 1mm2
RAPID utilises high accuracy positioning technology that is orientated to the aircraft reference datum
RAPID employs simple and adaptable control software allowing quick deployment and automated inspection of selected areas
RAPID requires minimal training with no previous qualifications or drone experience
RAPID is reliable, repeatable and provides safe operation under real world engineering conditions without preventing concurrent operations
RAPID provides full aircraft coverage in a fraction of the time taken with current inspection methods