We are transforming how we inspect our engines - by combining automation, data, and human expertise for smarter, more efficient and safer operations.
Historically, engine inspections required colleagues to take hundreds of photographs of each engine from multiple angles. Inspectors often needed to work from elevated platforms to capture the necessary views, before reviewing and stitching together images. This process was time-consuming and could make it harder to maintain fully standardised inspection records.
High-tech drones for safe and fast operation and excellent images
But now, using advanced drone technology, a full 360-degree inspection of the engine exterior can be done in just minutes. A Rolls-Royce Pearl engine can be scanned in around four and a half minutes, while a Rolls-Royce Trent engine takes approximately nine and a half minutes.
Built for the aerospace industry, these drones are fully automated systems, that don't need GPS or manual piloting. Instead, they use laser-based LiDAR positioning and advanced obstacle-avoidance navigation with millimetre precision to capture high-resolution images of the engine exterior. The drone also has built-in emergency landing programming and backup battery storage to ensure it always lands smoothly and safely.