NEWS EasyJet tests UAV with A320 inspection

EasyJet carried out an inspection on one of its Airbus A320s at its Luton base using a new configuration of unmanned air vehicle, ahead of a planned rollout of the capability in 12-18 months. The Remote Intelligent Survey Equipment for Radiation (Riser) quadrotor UAV – originally designed for gamma radiation inspection – and its sensors were developed by Blue Bear and Createc, and incorporate an avionics system that ensures the UAV stays 1m away from the aircraft it is inspecting. Riser uses electro-optical, light detection and ranging sensors, which can correctly locate damage caused by lightning strikes – something that is currently carried out manually by staff.