Major Process Improvements in Aerospace Applications by Integration of Camera Based Measurement Technology

Abstract

Photogrammetry is experiencing a small renaissance in a diverse set of aerospace applications such as assembly, quality inspection, and R&D testing. Improvements in camera technology and the availability of automatable process knowledge have led to a wide field of applications where photogrammetry solutions bypass the drawbacks of alternative metrology equipment. Inspection automation, guided measurement and assembly processes, as well as universal testing tools are only a few examples where significant improvements in process efficiency and data quality have been realized. In this presentation, three novel applications based on optical measurement sensors will be discussed.
Application 1: Metrology-Aided Assembly of main landing gear into landing gear box The assembly process of the main landing gear (MLG) into the main landing gear box (MLGB) is a dynamic procedure. To avoid damage from a collision with components already installed in the MLGB, the MLG is being tracked during assembly process by a multiple camera system with high accuracy. In this process, it is essential to measure multiple target points simultaneously because serial measurement based on the assumption of a stationary aircraft is invalid. Photogrammetric measurements are used to calculate offsets for the loading path. Then multiple points (photogrammetric adaptor) on the MLG are tracked in real time during loading to hold the MLG on track.