Pratt & Whitney is bringing artificial intelligence into the engine bay, deploying AI-powered inspection software to help technicians spot defects faster on military and commercial aircraft engines.
The RTX subsidiary has integrated technology from Amsterdam-based Aiir Innovations, whose AI-assisted borescope analytics software analyzes inspection videos to improve the speed, accuracy, and consistency of engine assessments.
The tech supports inspections of the F135 engine powering the F-35 fighter, in addition to Pratt & Whitney’s V2500 and Geared Turbofan commercial engines.
AI Learns From Every Inspection
The software reviews borescope footage in real time to assist inspectors while continuously improving its ability to classify defects through human feedback. The AI reportedly becomes more accurate as it processes more inspection data.
According to Aiir, the platform also automates report generation and creates digital inspection records that can be securely shared across maintenance teams, streamlining the entire inspection workflow.
Pratt & Whitney said the technology can reduce inspection and reporting tasks that once took significant time to just minutes while improving quality, traceability, and consistency.
Plans are underway to expand the AI-assisted inspection capability across additional engine programs.
“Broadening the integration of AI-assisted inspection capability strengthens our ability to detect issues earlier, improve turnaround times, increase time on wing, and reduce operational disruption for our customers,” said Rob Griffiths, senior vice president of Commercial Engines Operations at Pratt & Whitney.
