United Engine Corporation (UEC) has introduced an automated inspection system based on artificial intelligence at its UEC-Saturn facility in Rybinsk to support production of the PD-8 turbofan engine.
The system, which has entered industrial operation following a trial phase, is designed to inspect compressor blades and identify surface defects with a reported resolution of up to 40 microns. UEC states this exceeds the capability of conventional manual inspection methods and is intended to alleviate quality-control bottlenecks as PD-8 production rates increase.
The inspection system integrates robotic handling equipment, ultra-high-resolution imaging and machine-learning algorithms. Compressor blades are automatically positioned for inspection, with full-surface scanning and analysis carried out before defect locations are marked directly on the component. Inspection data are recorded and archived to enable trend analysis and identification of recurring non-conformities.
UEC said the system currently supports six types of polished compressor blades used in gas turbine engines. The company plans to extend automated inspection to additional components and to consider deployment of the technology across other UEC manufacturing sites.
UEC-Saturn is the developer and manufacturer of the PD-8, a new-generation turbofan intended for the SJ-100 regional airliner. The engine has recently completed its certification programme, with production ramp-up expected to support planned fleet deliveries over the coming years.
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