PSI - Issue 14

Manu Jain et al. / Procedia Structural Integrity 14 (2019) 184–190 Manu Jain / Structural Integrity Procedia 00 (2018) 000–000

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Fig. 3. Endoscope examination of fuel tank (b) Radiography of fuel tank crack

Fig. 4.(a) Nishant structure frequency check (b) Load test of repaired wing

The cost effectiveness of life extension can be seen from Fig 5, compared to original cost a life extended Lakshya’s cost is reduced by 20% and 31% if utilized for 1.5 times and 2 times of original life if compared to cost of a new UAV. Similarly Nishant’s cost is reduced by 11.5% and 20%.

Fig. 5. Cost effectiveness of life extension

6. Lessons learnt 6.1. Implementation of structural health monitoring

At present life of a UAV is fixed as number of flights or storage duration. UAV is subjected to mandatory inspection and life extension program after completion of these lifes. An integrated structural health monitoring