Guidance, Navigation & Control for Modern UAV Systems
Autonomous flight demands precise GNC algorithms. We explore the state of the art in UAV guidance, navigation, and control.
Mamoon Ammar Alvi
March 5, 2025·8 min read
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AerospaceJanuary 12, 2025·5 min read
Reverse Engineering with 3D Scanning: From Part to CAD Model
A
Abdullah Khan
Head of Structures Department
#Reverse Engineering#3D Scanning#CAD#CATIA
What is Reverse Engineering?
Reverse engineering is the process of creating a digital model from an existing physical part. It is essential when original design documentation is unavailable — common in legacy aerospace hardware, obsolete components, and competitor analysis.
The 3D Scanning Workflow
- Surface preparation — clean the part and apply reference markers if needed
- Scanning — capture point cloud data using structured light or laser scanning
- Point cloud processing — filter noise, align scans, and generate a mesh
- CAD reconstruction — fit surfaces to the mesh in CATIA, SOLIDWORKS, or Solid Edge
- Validation — compare the CAD model against the original scan for dimensional accuracy
Applications in Aerospace
Reverse engineering is widely used for:
- Obsolete part reproduction for legacy aircraft
- Damage assessment and repair design
- Competitive benchmarking
- Digital twin creation for maintenance planning
Inphoenix Reverse Engineering Services
We combine high-accuracy 3D scanning with expert CAD reconstruction to deliver production-ready models. Our team has reverse-engineered components ranging from small brackets to complete engine nacelles.