The Elios 3 UT Payload is an ultrasonic thickness measurement solution designed to integrate with the Flyability Elios 3 inspection drone for remote inspection in confined and hard‑to‑reach environments. Developed in partnership with Cygnus Instruments, this payload enables inspectors to capture accurate thickness measurements supported by live A‑scan data while maintaining safe standoff from hazardous areas. It is commonly used for internal inspections of assets such as tanks, vessels, ship hulls, and other metal structures where traditional access methods are time‑consuming or pose safety risks.
This payload is well suited for routine integrity inspections, corrosion monitoring, and condition assessment applications across industrial, maritime, and energy environments. The Elios 3 UT Payload supports location‑tagged measurements by operating alongside the Elios 3 LiDAR payload, allowing thickness data to be positioned directly on a digital representation of the inspected asset. A smart couplant dispenser and adaptable probe arm help ensure consistent ultrasound transmission and precise positioning, supporting reliable data collection in complex geometries and restricted spaces.
Enable remote ultrasonic thickness measurements from a safe distance
Remotely capture A‑scan data in elevated and hard‑to‑access locations
Developed in partnership with Cygnus Instruments, the UT Payload enables the Elios 3 to perform accurate ultrasonic thickness measurements supported by high‑resolution A‑scan data, allowing inspectors to complete regular integrity inspections more efficiently and help reduce unplanned downtime.
Smart Couplant Dispenser – Optimal Ultrasound Coupling
Features a remotely operated couplant dispenser integrated with the probe to deliver controlled gel application for reliable ultrasound transmission, with couplant levels monitored in Cockpit to support timely refills or syringe replacement during inspections.
Location‑Tagged UT Measurements: Provides live 3D data localization to accurately position thickness measurements within the inspected asset.
The Elios 3 can operate the UT Payload alongside the LiDAR payload to precisely localize thickness measurements on a digital representation of the asset during data capture. Combined with the relocalization feature and Cockpit Live Map, location‑tagged UT data helps track inspection coverage and supports clear situational awareness throughout the mission.
Smart Probe Arm
A purpose‑built probe arm designed for precise positioning and controlled contact during ultrasonic thickness measurements.
Versatile Orientation
The Elios 3 UT Payload can be mounted above, in front of, or below the drone, with a configurable probe arm that supports adaptable positioning for thickness measurements across a wide range of inspection locations.
Undisrupted Navigation
The probe arm folds neatly against the drone, allowing passage through narrow manholes and complex spaces without interfering with stable flight.
Laser‑Focused Targeting
The UT payload probe includes an integrated laser pointer to support precise targeting and aiming during flight, enabling quick alignment with the intended measurement location.
Modular Probe Head – IACS‑Compliant Probes for Class Surveys
The Elios 3 UT Payload uses interchangeable probe heads, including 2 MHz, 5 MHz, and 7.5 MHz twin crystal piezo‑composite probes and a 2.25 MHz single crystal probe, to support a wide range of thickness measurement applications. The single crystal multi‑echo probe technology meets IACS special equipment requirements for thickness measurements on ships and mobile offshore units, making it suitable for class surveys and maritime inspections.
Key Features:
- Ultrasonic thickness measurement payload designed for the Flyability Elios 3 drone
- Developed in partnership with Cygnus Instruments for accurate UT data capture
- Captures live A‑scan data to support inspection validation and analysis
- Location‑tagged measurements enable precise data positioning on digital asset models
- Smart couplant dispenser delivers controlled gel application for reliable ultrasound transmission
- Adjustable probe arm supports multiple mounting orientations and access angles
- Interchangeable UT probes support a wide range of thickness measurement scenarios
- Designed for inspections in confined spaces, elevated areas, and hazardous environments