The National Institute for Aviation Research is turning to
futuristic virtual reality and reverse engineering to help keep
aging aircraft flying, re-creating replacement parts for old
aircraft where none are available. Lab associates at NIAR’s new
virtual reality and reverse engineering lab, located at the
National Center for Aviation Training near Jabara Airport in
northeast Wichita, use a process called reverse engineering to
create a computerized design from an existing part or piece of
equipment. “It’s very exciting,” said Brian Brown, associate
director of NIAR’s Computer-Aided Design, Computer-Aided
Manufacturing (CAD-CAM) Laboratory. Associates sweep a
sophisticated laser scanner over a part or other item, creating
thousands of “points” or locations on the part, building a 3-D
computerized design. The parts can be simple or complex. A
prototype can be made using a special plastic, which allows
customers to perform analysis or check a fit. A machine shop can
then use the design to build a metal part. Us