Aircraft Maintenance Technology - 33

ith constant improvements to
resolution and image quality
of miniature complementary
metal-oxide-semiconductor
(CMOS) sensors, used largely for the cell phone market,
Gradient Lens Corporation is
applying the same technology to develop their
own miniature borescope cameras.
The Hawkeye V3 HD Video Borescopes are the
new, high-definition, articulating video borescopes
used for aircraft engine inspections. They utilize
high-definition (HD) CMOS sensor technology, HD
daylight readable touchscreen display and advanced
image processing.
Launched in January 2020, Gradient Lens currently offers four models of the V3 scopes, including
both the 4mm and 6mm diameters, each available
in lengths of 1.5m or 3.0m. Longer lengths will be
available in the future.
"Because of the constant improvement, it allowed
us to develop and manufacture HD 4mm videoscopes
with the best image quality on the market today, at
roughly half the price of the major U.S., Japanese and
German competitors," said Dr. Doug Kindred, president and chief scientist of Gradient Lens. "We also
utilize the latest display technology, with our 5.5-inch,
high-brightness, daylight-readable HD touchscreen."
The combination of the HD CMOS micro camera,
the HD touchscreen display and the IMX6 image
processor produces sharp, clear, vibrant images with
excellent resolution, contrast and color rendition.
"The image quality is absolutely superb," Kindred
noted. "The Hawkeye V3 HD Video Borescopes also
features WiFi capability to view images on iPhones
and iPads, as well as sophisticated image processing
software, center and edge weighting and glare reduction features."
The V3s have a bright, integrated LED light, servodriven joystick operated articulation and a six-hour
battery life. Optional accessories include, 90-degree
close focus tips, a stand, neck strap, rigidizer tubes
and a spare battery, Kindred explained. "We are currently developing 6m and 8m long scopes that can be
used for airframe inspection."
The latest technology and driving force behind the
borescopes are the HD CMOS sensors. "They offer
great quality at reasonable prices," Kindred said.
"Ditto for the touchscreen display technology, WiFi
capability and even software interface being very
similar to a smart phone, with features like, 'pinch
to zoom' for images, mirror images, swiping through
image files, etc."

These scopes do not require calibration, which
makes operating a breeze. "Training for using the
borescopes are minimal because the user interface
is so intuitive that it is very easy to use," Kindred said.
So, what factors should be taken into consideration
when thinking about buying borescopes? Kindred says
Buy American. The borescopes created by Gradient
Lens are manufactured in the USA. "I can't emphasize

The V3s have a bright,
integrated LED
light, servo-driven
joystick operated
articulation and a
six-hour battery life.
GRADIENT LENS

that enough, because this allows us to fully-control
every aspect of the manufacturing and quality control,
as well as provide better service to our customers.
"There are many scopes on the market, different
brands, offered by all sorts of companies who do don't
make them; they import them," Kindred added. "The
Hawkeye V3 Video Borescopes are super-high-quality,
with the best image quality on the market at a great
price, with the latest technology. They are incredibly
awesome scopes."
Kindred said the V3 scopes are well-constructed
and, as such, are reasonably durable. However, something to keep in mind is everything that is going on
in the 4mm diameter scopes. "You have a tiny 2mm
diameter HD camera with lenses, circuit boards and
all with fiber optics for illumination and tiny vertebrae

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Aircraft Maintenance Technology

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