Nokia deploys 5G private wireless network for Lufthansa remote engine inspection trial

Lufthansa Technik is one of the first companies in Germany to use its own private wireless networks based on the latest standards of 5G.
( Source: © Jan Brandes / Lufthansa Technik AG / Nur für redaktionelle Zwecke / For editorial purposes only)

5G Nokia deploys 5G private wireless network for Lufthansa remote engine inspection trial

27.02.2020Author / Editor: Erika Granath / Erika Granath

Nokia and Lufthansa have deployed a 5G industrial-grade private wireless network to accelerate a project that enables remote engine parts inspection for Lufthansa's civil aviation customers.

In the past, German Lufthansa has carried out all component inspections at the company's Hamburg facility. In the future, thanks to Finnish Nokia's hyperfast 5G private wireless network, Lufthansa engines will be able to be overhauled⁠—entirely disassembled and inspected in utmost detail⁠—anywhere, using high-definition video links.

"The first application cases already impressively demonstrate the valuable contribution 5G technology can make to the aviation industry," Soeren Stark, Lufthansa Technik Executive Board Member, responsible for Technical Operations, Logistics and IT, said in a press release.

Hyperfast 5G enables remote engine parts inspection

Engine parts inspection via stream (depicted before the introduction of 5G networks): High-resolution live-imagery helps to remotely inspect the dismantled parts and make the appropriate order decisions on-screen.
(Source: © Jan Brandes / Lufthansa Technik AG / Nur für redaktionelle Zwecke / For editorial purposes only)

Through Lufthansa Technik's 'Virtual Table Inspection' proof of concept project, customers will be guided through the engine shop using a third-party mobile device that provides real-time, high-resolution video streaming with mechanics and engineers. This will allow virtual inspection of dismantled parts enabling joint decision making about inspected components.

"This application captures the essential value of fast, secure 5G private wireless networking to help improve operational efficiency, productivity, and service," Kathrin Buvac, President of Nokia Enterprise said, in a press release.

5G network to save time and cost

5G technology supports the download of enourmous amouts of CAT data onto the mobile device.
(Source: Lufthansa Technik)

Nokia is delivering 5G private wireless network connectivity by deploying the Nokia Digital Automation Cloud (DAC) solution. Nokia DAC is a plug-and-play digital automation platform that can quickly scale from a small local deployment to multiple sites of large systems, all managed from the same web portal.

Its flexibility will enable Lufthansa Technik to configure and adapt the network to meet the project's needs precisely. Remote, high-resolution screen inspection calls for high-bandwidth and low-latency capability to accommodate demanding upload and download speeds as well as adequate computing power to handle the processing requirements of live transmission.

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