Extended reality enables off-site aircraft inspection

According to Gecko, which specialises in the capture and analysis of critical infrastructure data, the extended reality (XR) technology uses aerial drones to collect over 10,000 high-definition images of an aircraft’s surface. These images are then converted into a precise 3D model of the aircraft’s physical characteristics, creating a digital twin that can be accessed by maintenance and inspection teams anywhere. 

“A year of prototype testing with Gecko in collaboration with multiple military customers has identified numerous applications for this technology, including virtual visual inspections, configuration review and robust defect identification,” said L3Harris’ Sean Ling, general manager, Modernisation and Modifications. 

Gecko already has inspection contracts in place with several branches of the US military, including for the Columbia-class submarine programme, which will replace the Ohio-class fleet of nuclear subs. Gecko’s role involves helping to identify and predict problem areas in the build process, potentially preventing substantial delays across the highly complex project.

Alongside its distinctive crawler robots – which capture around 100 data points for every centimetre climbed - Gecko also uses drones and ROVs to gather data on assets from the sky and water, using a combination of ultrasonic, optical, electromagnetic and thermal sensors. 

The new aircraft inspection tool is said to provide a ‘360-degree XR environment’ that allows engineers to assess the health of a platform from anywhere. It’s claimed the high-resolution imagery also improves inspection quality by detecting issues invisible to the human eye under standard lighting conditions. 

"The readiness and modernisation of military aircraft is a critical 'line of effort' for the Air Force," said Jake Loosararian, co-founder and CEO of Gecko Robotics.

"Gecko's partnership with L3Harris will deploy world class technology to solve real problems, putting us at the forefront of helping the US military build, maintain and modernise the assets necessary to defend our nation."