Air Force Adopts 3D Laser Scanning
Creating safer planes for people to work on and study
3D laser scanning has slowly gained adoption in many areas. Many professionals in various fields have started using this technology because it is quick, accurate, and incredibly precise. It can help solve multiple problems and create easy ways to capture data on a site or object. This tool is one of the best in the market and is creating a competitive environment for technology. In return, it is promoting a higher standard of living that soon every consumer around the world will expect from companies and individuals.
What is 3D laser scanning
This technology uses a handheld portable device to capture information on an object. It can capture data on items of various sizes, from small to extra-large. It does this by taking rapid pictures of a scene or object, sometimes thousands per second. It gathers information like size, texture, dimensions, colors, and entire layouts of where things are placed.
After the data is captured, it is then sent to the cloud, where it can be saved for a future reference. When it is stored in the cloud, there is no way for it to be deleted; once it hits cyberspace, it is there forever. Once it is stored, you can send the information to a partnering system where it can be edited and reviewed, sent across the world, turned into virtual reality, and even 3D printed. It is all up to the user.
How the Air Force is using this technology
The Air Force has sent one of their biggest planes to a company where they can use 3D laser scanning technology to gather information on the aircraft. They have sent the B-1B a gigantic plane was transported to the National Institute for Aviation Research to be thoroughly scanned.
3D laser scanning will help determine where problem areas are and how to fix them without causing damage. This technology will help determine where the main areas of fatigue are, and this will help prioritize the areas that need to be fixed first. Everything will be turned into digital format, and they will be able to study how it flies with and without the problems fixed. This will help future training for the soldiers who use this plane.
How it can improve training
Many people in the Air Force will be able to study the model, fly it virtually, and learn the insides and outsides of this plane. They will be able to train using virtual models without harming the airplane more. Right now, the wear and tear of the aircraft cause the soldiers to get less practice with it. This will allow soldiers to see everything virtually while it is getting fixed, and then they will be able to take their research into the actual field.
Final thoughts
3D laser scanning has entered various fields around the world and is slowly becoming adopted by our military. It has not reached every area in the military but is gradually gaining traction, everyone is seeing this useful tool and putting it to good use. It is creating safer structures and sites for people to work on and study.