Project Overview
Quanta Aviation Services (QAS) conducted a UAS-based inspection of a 12-mile transmission tap, performing thermal infrared and corona/partial discharge inspections across approximately 210 structures. The goal was to identify thermal hotspots, corona discharge, and other early-stage anomalies before they could compromise grid reliability.
Scope of Work
QAS deployed M300 series drones equipped with corona and H20T thermal payloads, flying 20 to 40 feet above the conductors to capture georeferenced 4K video and still imagery. When problem areas were detected, crews performed additional thermal imaging for closer analysis. The data was reviewed for accuracy and compiled into a detailed inspection report with actionable maintenance recommendations.
Impact
Early detection of critical issues enabled proactive maintenance, reducing unexpected outages and equipment failures. Drone inspection eliminated the need for linemen to climb structures or use bucket trucks, improving safety while rapidly covering large areas. The final report gave the customer clear visual evidence to prioritize repairs, reinforcing QAS’s capability in high-value utility infrastructure diagnostics.