Digital Engineering 3D Scanned Models for Airborne Instrumentation
Abstract
The aircraft T-2 modification process to instrument F-16 aircraft employed by the 812 AITS is currently labor and time intensive and involves taking test aircraft away from mission support for measurement, installation, and troubleshooting. When aircraft are down for extended periods of time, they are unable to support critical test and training sorties for the 416 CTF. The 412 TW wishes to embrace the Digital Vision directed by AFMC and SAF/AQ and utilize Digital Engineering tools and processes to drastically reduce aircraft downtime. Recently, 3 dimensional (3D) point cloud scans of interior bays of the F-16D have been captured, processed, and delivered to the 812 AITS design team. Using already existing software and modeling tools, the point cloud files have been converted into compatible formats to import into assembly models. Using these scanned models, virtual fit checks of the instrumentation installations were performed. Digital photographic results of the scanned files with models of installation equipment are compared with physical fit checks provide insight into the experience, benefits, and limitations of using 3D scans for aircraft instrumentation design.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 25, 2023
- Accession Number
- AD1201991
Entities
People
- Joseph Lopez