Functionality & Use
Q: What is the Elios 3 UT Payload used for?
The UT Payload turns the Elios 3 drone into a flying ultrasonic thickness gauge, enabling remote, high-precision metal wall thickness measurements in confined or elevated environments.
Q: Who is this payload designed for?
It’s built for certified UT professionals conducting corrosion or thickness inspections in industries like oil & gas, maritime, power generation, and mining.
Payload Design & Components
Q: What are the main components of the UT Payload?
It includes a smart couplant dispenser, folding smart probe arm with laser pointer, modular probe head with interchangeable transducers, and an optional cleaning module for surface preparation.
Q: How is the probe adapted for different materials or surface types?
Operators can choose from 2 MHz, 5 MHz, or 7.5 MHz twin-crystal probes and equip them with interchangeable hoods or Echo-Echo mode to compensate for coatings or curved surfaces.
Measurements & Data Handling
Q: How is data visualized during flight?
Live A-scans are streamed directly to the Cockpit interface, with customizable gate and gain settings, allowing UT specialists to validate and adjust readings in real time.
Q: What happens to the data after the flight?
In Inspector 5, users can review and retrace all A-scans on a 3D model, annotate points of interest, and export detailed reports for auditing and compliance.
Navigation & Location Tracking
Q: Can the Elios 3 record where each measurement is taken?
Yes, all UT data is geolocated on a live 3D map (digital twin), making it easy to retrace exact measurement points—even for repeated inspections.
Q: How is navigation handled in complex environments?
The drone uses real-time LiDAR mapping to provide full situational awareness, enabling remote flight inside tanks, pipes, or other hard-to-reach areas safely.
Setup & Operation
Q: How is couplant applied mid-flight?
A motorized smart dispenser applies gel on-demand, visible through a level gauge, and can be quickly refilled using syringe swaps without landing the drone.
Q: How does the payload adapt to tight or angled spaces?
The probe arm folds for compactness and can be deployed facing up, down, or forward, giving flexibility to reach curved or overhead surfaces.
Performance & Efficiency
Q: How does this compare to traditional inspection methods?
It eliminates the need for scaffolding or rope access, reducing inspection time by up to 90% and enabling two-person teams to complete tasks in a fraction of the time.
Q: Does it affect the drone’s flight performance?
The lightweight, integrated design is optimized for stability and control, preserving the Elios 3’s ability to operate in GPS-denied, confined areas.
Purchase & Support
Q: How is the UT Payload purchased?
It is available as a standalone payload or bundled with the Elios 3 drone. Flyability or its resellers provide full integration support.
Q: What support is available for new users?
Flyability offers technical manuals, setup guides, and workflow resources. Since UT inspections require expertise, it's recommended for trained or certified professionals. Jamie Wildin, our technical manager can support with any support, repair and warranty issues.
If you would like to learn mor about how the Elios 3 can help your business please contact George, our product expert.