Versatile Everest XLG3™ VideoProbe Boosts Inspection Capabilities In The Aerospace Sector
Huerth, Germany –July 17, 2006.
The new Everest XLG3™ VideoProbe, from GE Inspection Technologies, offers the capability and versatility to allow fast and accurate identification of signs of wear or damage in aircraft engines and structures to establish flight worthiness. It also allows inspection information to be stored in real time on an on-board DVD/CD drive, to be downloaded by means of flash drives or to be transferred to remote sites by means of the internet for collaboration and confirmation during live inspections.
The new VideoProbe is exceptionally easy to operate, using a USB keyboard, a wired joystick or a wireless remote control. Intuitive control buttons and drop-down menus guide operators effortlessly through the control functions and give step-by-step instruction for each component until the inspection is complete. Images can be tagged for future identification and to incorporate inspection comments and the instrument’s software allows text and arrow overlays and custom logos.
Portability is a major feature of the new system, which is built for durability to withstand the rigours of field inspection. The base unit features an aluminium chassis with impact-absorbing rubber bumpers and the handset is contained within a tough, polycarbonate housing. An attachable, integrated battery can provide either one or two hours independent uninterruptible power supply
The Everest XLG3 provides twice the light output of earlier generation VideoProbe systems and the unique 360º All-Way® articulation ensures that this light reaches even the darkest of turbine recesses. When this high level illumination is combined with the VideoProbe’s improved lenses, advanced digital signal processing, and a 1:1 pixel ratio between camera and monitor, the result is that sharp, high quality images are delivered directly to the extra bright, high resolution LCD screen.
The versatility of the XLG3 is enhanced by the availability of compact, interchangeable QuickChange probes which allow fast and easy reconfiguration of probe diameter and length to meet specific aircraft maintenance manual requirements. A wide selection of probes is available with a full range of standard optical tips and tips with stereo and shadow measurement capabilities. All probes feature a titanium camera head, which is eight times stronger than previous designs.
As Tom Karpen, engineering manager for GE Inspection Technologies, comments, “Digital imagery and live video are critical in both commercial and military aircraft inspection. With the Everest XLG3 you can now capture very high quality digital data and transmit this in real time direct from the tarmac to remote quality control and maintenance teams to deliver fast and reliable diagnosis, allowing accurate, critical decision making.”
