The Mississippi Army National Guard, in collaboration with the Aviation and Missile Command and the National Institute for Aviation Research, unveiled a new technology named “VISION” that uses shearography to find voids in helicopter blades. This marks a first in the country and will greatly improve the accuracy of inspections compared to the traditional tap method. The new technology will help ensure the safety of aircrew members and improve the overall maintenance of military aircraft.
Shearography, a non-destructive inspection technique using laser light, is widely used in aerospace applications, wind turbine blades, the automotive industry, and materials research. The technology creates a visual representation of a test object for NDT, strain measurement, and vibration analysis.
CW2 Justin Henry explained that while the tap method is approved, “VISION” will eliminate guesswork and significantly improve the quality of inspections. The new technology will combine with the tap test to collect data and validate current methods, with hopes to eventually extend its use to making repairs as well.
The Mississippi AVCRAD supports 24 Army Aviation Support Facilities in two Southeastern states, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. The goal is to have “VISION” fully validated for use by July 2025. The unveiling of this new technology represents a significant advancement in aviation maintenance and safety practices for the military.
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