UTM Payload for Scout 137 Drone System

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Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement (UTM) Without Human Entry

Page last modified

February 5 2025

The UTM Payload from ScoutDI is an advanced ultrasonic thickness measurement solution seamlessly integrated with the Scout 137 Drone System.
Designed for confined-space inspections in industrial and maritime assets, it enables efficient, remote, and BVLOS-approved thickness gauging—without human entry.

The UTM Payload is equipped with a motorized probe arm that ensures precise contact with the target surface. This quick-release mechanism allows for rapid attachment and detachment, streamlining setup and maintenance. Additionally, the in-flight remote adjustment feature enables fine-tuned positioning during operations, helping pilots achieve optimal ultrasonic signal transmission even in challenging inspection environments.

To further enhance inspection quality, live A-scans are available to the inspector and pilot in real time. This feature allows for instant evaluation of thickness measurements during flight. With freeze and save functionality, the operator can assess the A-scan waveform on the spot and decide whether to keep or discard a measurement, ensuring only high-quality data is stored for reporting and analysis.

All Ultrasonic thickness measurements and A-scans are location-tagged and presented in the Scout Portal alongside visual data.
See video below.

Key benefits:

BVLOS-Capable – Perform ultrasonic thickness measurements in hazardous areas while keeping operators safe.
Automated Data Capture – Thickness readings are geo-tagged in 3D space and instantly available in the Scout Portal.
Seamless Integration – Fully integrated with the Scout 137’s flight system and real-time monitoring interface.
Data integration with Scout Portal - all thickness data are location-tagged and presented alongside high-res POI photos.
Motorized probe arm with quick release & in-flight remote adjustment.
Class-Approved – The system has been used for class-approved thickness inspections on FPSOs, bulk carriers, and other vessels.

By eliminating scaffolding and rope access, the UTM Payload transforms thickness measurement into a safer, faster, and more cost-effective process.

Explore how the UTM Payload enhances the Scout 137 Drone System with multimodal data capabilities.👍

Pros & Limitations

Enhanced Safety – Eliminates the need for human entry, scaffolding, or rope access.

BVLOS-Approved – Enables remote ultrasonic thickness measurements in confined and hazardous spaces.

Reduces Inspection Costs – Eliminates scaffolding, rope access, and human entry, cutting operational expenses.

Faster Data Collection – Captures geo-tagged thickness readings efficiently, reducing downtime and inspection time.

Optimized Resource Use – Enables remote operation, reducing manpower requirements and improving workflow efficiency.

Motorized probe arm with quick release & in-flight remote adjustment – Enables precise probe positioning for accurate UT measurements without returning to pilot for manual adjustment.

Surface Preparation Required – Paint or heavy coatings may need to be removed for accurate readings.

Limited to Ferrous Materials – Currently optimized for measuring steel and other ferrous metals.

Specification

Title	Description
Theme/Discipline	IntegrityInspectionCorrosion Management
Core Tech	Instrumentation & MeasurementDrone
Measurement Technology	Uses dual-crystal ultrasonic testing (UT) for accurate thickness gauging on steel surfaces.
Automated Data Capture	Integrates with the Scout 137 Drone System, enabling geo-referenced UT measurements with A-scans in real time.
Motorized Probe Arm	Features a quick-release mechanism and in-flight remote adjustment, allowing precise probe positioning for optimal surface contact without manual adjustment.