Application of 3D scanning technology in Royal Malaysian Air Force Industrial Revolution 4.0-based aircraft maintenance

3D scanning is rapidly becoming a key maintenance tool. Aerospace was a pioneer in adopting 3D scanning technology because aircraft manufacture and maintenance require precision. Monitoring deterioration, removing components for maintenance, and verifying covert operations are not practical or helpful without technology. Ultra-precise 3D scanning is needed to ensure aeroplane airworthiness. The Royal Malaysian Air Force is facing issues maintaining the structural integrity and time-consuming manual inspections, which exposes technicians to error and delays aircraft maintenance. Furthermore, the Sukhoi Su-30MKM fighter jet has updated avionics, missiles, and bombs. Sukhoi's structural integrity is under jeopardy after a decade of service. This study describes the process of scanning aircraft in 3D and creating 3D representations in Su-30MKM maintenance. The study also covers the digital transformation of aircraft construction into a model. As a result, the proposed 3D Scanning Maintenance System has assisted the maintenance team to accelerate reverse engineering, aircraft maintenance operations. Also, the 3D scanning application increases the effectiveness of repairing and maintaining Su-30MKM in line with the Royal Malaysian Air Force's mission readiness to embrace Industrial Revolution 4.0.

Automated summary

3D scanning technology plays a crucial role in aerospace maintenance, and the Royal Malaysian Air Force conducted a study on using 3D scanning in Su-30MKM maintenance. The study describes the process of scanning the aircraft and proposes a 3D Scanning Maintenance System to accelerate reverse engineering and aircraft maintenance operations.