Boeing is the world’s largest aerospace company and leading commercial aircraft manufacturer. Acoustocam is a nondestructive testing solution that generates real-time, high resolution images of composite materials that can be easily interpreted by inspectors for internal anomalies.
Boeing develops inspection procedures to be used by its customers. The Acoustocam procedure is initially for in-service use on the 787 Dreamliner to inspect the new composite fuselage.
The Boeing procedures are designed to address possible maintenance issues or in response to requests by customers. All Nippon Airways (ANA) approached Boeing about including Acoustocam in the NDT (nondestructive testing) manual because Acoustocam provided simple, quick and easy-to-interpret images of internal composite structures.
In recommending the approval of Acoustocam, Hiroshi Kobayashi, an ANA Senior Manager of Structural Engineering, said: “The device is very helpful in capturing the image of internal structures quickly with C-scan mode.” Kobayashi also noted that Acoustocam provided superior results over its current device. “Our airline would like to use Acoustocam and intends to purchase the ultrasonic imaging device when Boeing’s NDT manual for the Acoustocam is established,” he added.
“We are thrilled Acoustocam will be available for airline use on the 787 Dreamliner. Acoustocam incorporates our patented DAV technology which offers superior images and detailed results to benefit the aerospace industry,” said Imperium president and chief executive officer Bob Lasser. “The Flight Safety Foundation estimates ramp damage costs operators nearly $10 billion annually. When aircraft are grounded, although rare, due to composite damage, lost revenue can be upwards of $50,000 per day. Acoustocam can help reduce those costs and missed detections by providing high resolution images of internal composite structures on an aircraft.”
