Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
U.S. Air Force Evaluates Quadcopter for Aircraft Inspections
The emerging technologies unit at Edwards Air Force Base is also considering using drones to calibrate antennas, inspect roofs and airfields.
Testers with the 412th Test Wing at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., use a quadcopter to inspect a C-17. (Photo: U.S. Air Force)
Testers with the 412th Test Wing at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., use a quadcopter to inspect a C-17. (Photo: U.S. Air Force)

The U.S. Air Force is evaluating the use of small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for aircraft maintenance inspections and other tasks. A new emerging technologies combined test force (CTF) of the 412th Test Wing at Edwards Air Force Base, California, has demonstrated small drone applications twice in the past two months, the service said on March 9.