Greener aerospace takes flight with advanced servicing technologies

With support from the ATI Programme, engineers plan to work on 20 technologies with a focus on repairing components rather than scrapping them. These include ‘snake robots’ which travel inside jet engines to access complex parts, and engine sensors which send in-flight data to allow for better prediction of when engines need maintenance.

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Engineers at project partner Roke will lead on the development of smart algorithms that use data from engine installed inspection sensors to analyse and provide rapid in-service diagnostics. Key benefits will include increased availability of aircraft and reduced through-life expense.

In addition to being used on existing engines such as the Trent XWB, the new servicing technologies will also be used to explore the maintenance and repair of aerospace materials and components for future low-carbon engines, including electric technology. It is hoped that they will help avoid substantial amounts of CO2 every year, reducing the movement of people and parts by using more digital inspection techniques and key-hole surgery for engines.