Digital Copies of the Black Hawk Helicopter
Providing an easier way to rebuild and use helicopters
3D laser scanning has been slowly gaining traction in the military because of all of its uses. This technology ranges in purposes, and many people outside of the military have started using it as well. It is some of the fastest technology you will ever find and can be used in multiple areas because of its different uses.
In 1979 the US Army adopted the first Black Hawk helicopter called The Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk. Since then, various versions of this helicopter have been developed. However, they are now working on restoring the original model using 3D laser scanning. By using this technology and 3D printing, they are able to find out what needs to be replaced and then make an exact replica of the piece the helicopter needs.
Not all military teams have adopted this technology, but they are now looking to it as an option. It creates an easy way to rebuild and use helicopters. It allows them to share information with the whole team at a rapid pace and help maintain the equipment that is being scanned.
The benefits of using 3D laser scanning
3D laser scanning is entirely accurate, fast, and straightforward to use. This means anyone on the team can learn to use it, scan the object at hand, and a printer will be able to take those scans, and replicate the exact piece needed. It is noninvasive and can help maintain all pieces of equipment.
On top of that, the scans can be sent to anyone else in the military at a rapid pace. There is no waiting for detailed outlines because 3D laser scanning devices are able to pick up all of the small details someone could miss. This helps the military teams move faster, and produce higher quality products that could not only restore the helicopters but save their lives by not having any broken pieces.
“The intent of the UH-60L program is to demonstrate the application of this technology in fleet sustainment operations to increase threat timelines and operational readiness, reduce the cost of documentation, and increase sustainment affordability,” said John Tomblin, senior vice-president for Industry and Defense Programs.
How 3D laser scanning works
3D laser scanning devices usually come in small handheld portable devices that are able to create cloud points on an object. It shines lasers of the purpose of collecting all of its information as well as taking rapid pictures of an object. The coolest thing about this small device is that it’s portable and can scan substantial items, making it the perfect tool for the military to use.
Final thoughts
3D laser scanning has entered our world and been one of the hottest table topics. It has not always been so popular. When it was initially created, it gained no traction because it had a lot of mistakes that needed to be worked out. Since the late 1990s, it has become a widely used tool, and it is now expanding to many areas.