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An operator demonstrates HIT.
Sensor Concepts photo |
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- The F-35 Joint Program Office has asked Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to start an initial low-rate production of a new hand-held imaging tool (HIT) that will be able to check the surface of a plane to verify the plane's health. The Air Force currently uses a 1,200-pound piece of equipment and needs two operators and three hours. To find a more efficient system, AFRL through a Small Business Innovation Research contract managed as an Advanced Technology Demonstration Program, developed HIT, a portable, non-destructive method to inspect an aircraft. It consists of a handheld unit of less than seven pounds and an 11-pound backpack that can image 100 percent of an aircraft’s surface in 15 minutes. A demonstration at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., in late 2014 led to the culmination of a five-year research effort. (Source:
Air Force Research Lab Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, 03/01/15)
