Implementation and evaluation of a wheeled-legged locomotion robot for optimizing the preflight air intake inspection protocol of fighter aircraft

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Published: Oct 13, 2025
Updated: 2025-10-13
Versions:
2025-10-13 (5)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.17163/ings.n34.2025.10
Keywords:
Robot, design, inspection, air intake, fighter aircraft, locomotion, wheeled-legged

Main Article Content

Mayki Mamani
Universidad Nacional de San Agustin
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1578-1204
Jhonathan Uchamaco
Universidad Nacional de San Agustín
https://orcid.org/0009-0002-2795-9548
David Meneses
Universidad Nacional de San Agustín
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2697-7552
Yuri Silva
Universidad Nacional de San Agustín
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0461-470X
Jorge Apaza
Universidad Nacional de San Agustín
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7013-0690

Abstract

Maintenance and inspection protocols in the aerospace industry are designed to safeguard the structural integrity of aircraft and ensure pilot safety. However, the air intakes of fighter aircraft pose significant access challenges for maintenance technicians during preflight inspections. To address this limitation, this study presents an innovative solution: the implementation and evaluation of a robot equipped with a wheeled-legged locomotion system. This system enables efficient access to the air intakes, significantly enhancing the inspection protocol. The robot was developed in close alignment with the operational requirements of Peruvian Air Force (FAP) technicians, which was critical to defining its design specifications and manufacturing parameters. Its adaptive and compact architecture allows it to navigate confined intake structures effectively, optimizing inspection time and resource utilization. The prototype’s performance was rigorously assessed through standardized tests, demonstrating its capability to reliably access and inspect air intakes under preflight conditions. This advancement contributes to the modernization of conventional aircraft maintenance procedures by integrating robotic technologies into the aeronautical inspection process.

Article Details

Issue
No. 34 (2025): july-december
Section
Scientific Paper
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