Near Earth Autonomy has successfully developed and tested using autonomous small uncrewed aerial systems (sUAS) to more safely and efficiently conduct preflight checks of airliners. This was done under NASA’s Small Business Innovation Research program and in partnership with Boeing. Over the last six years, Near Earth Autonomy completed several rounds of test flights with its sUAS solution on Boeing airplanes operated by American Airlines and Emirates.

According to the Pittsburgh-based company, using sUAS trims the time needed for these detailed external inspections from up to four hours to less than 30 minutes. It also reduces the risk of diagnosis errors and workplace injuries, because manual inspections require workers to “climb around” on the airplane.

With NASA and Boeing funding to bolster commercial readiness, Near Earth Autonomy developed a sUAS-enabled solution under its Proxim subsidiary that can fly around an airliner and gather inspection data. The sUAS is able to autonomously fly around an aircraft, following a computer-programmed task card based on FAA regulations for these inspections. This card outlines the flight path needed to conduct the inspection.

Photos collected from the sUAS can be analyzed remotely, meaning operators can tap its most experienced aircraft inspectors to support repair decisions faster from any location. Additionally, new images can be compared to older ones for comparison to look for cracks, missing rivets, leaks, or other issues.

The sUAS operator can also create alerts if an area needs to be inspected again or fails an inspection. According to Near Earth Autonomy, using sUAS for aircraft inspections can save an average of $10,000 per hour of lost earnings during unplanned time on the ground.

“NASA has worked with Near Earth Autonomy on autonomous inspection challenges in multiple domains,” said NASA senior leader for autonomous systems Danette Allen. “We are excited to see this technology spin out to industry to increase efficiencies, safety, and accuracy of the aircraft inspection process for overall public benefit.”