Drone Inspection of Wind Turbine Assets: External and Internal Survey Capabilities
A Safer, Smarter Approach to Wind Turbine Inspection Using UAV and Confined Space Drone Technology
Wind turbines are complex, high-value assets operating under constant mechanical and environmental stress. With blades stretching over 60 metres in length and towers reaching heights of over 100 metres, effective inspection of turbine components is essential for maintaining energy production, reducing risk, and extending asset lifespan.
At DJM Aerial Solutions, we use a combination of external aerial drone technology and internal confined space drones to deliver complete condition monitoring of wind turbine assets — both onshore and offshore. From full blade surface inspections to internal blade surveys and nacelle assessments, our drone-based approach eliminates the need for rope access or elevated work platforms while delivering faster, safer, and more accurate results.
Components We Inspect Using Drone Technology
Our inspection methodology covers both external and internal components of wind turbines, including:
🔹 Blades (External and Internal)
Surface cracks, lightning strike damage, erosion
Leading and trailing edge inspection
Laminate separation or delamination
Drainage and bonding issues
Internal integrity using Elios 3 for internal blade access
🔹 Nacelle and Hub
External condition of housing and ventilation
Seal degradation and surface corrosion
Internal checks (where accessible) for grease leakage or debris
Mounting and bolt integrity
🔹 Tower
Surface corrosion and coating condition
Weld seam inspection
Structural anomalies or deformation
Flange alignment and fastener condition
🔹 Other Components
Yaw drive and slip ring housing
Cooling systems and radiators
External sensors and lightning protection
External Drone Inspection of Wind Turbines
We use high-resolution RGB cameras, optical zoom, and thermal payloads mounted to our Matrice platform to assess turbine surfaces from base to blade tip. Our drones operate with RTK precision, allowing for repeatable flight paths and asset-aligned reporting.
Advantages of External UAV Inspection:
Rapid visual capture with minimal turbine downtime
Detection of hot spots and thermal anomalies (bearing heat, brake issues)
No rope access or platform scaffolding
Image-based defect tagging for engineering review
Repeatable condition tracking over time
Internal Blade Inspection Using Elios 3
Accessing the interior of turbine blades is a specialist task, typically requiring disassembly, confined space access teams, or borescopes with limited visibility. With the Elios 3, we can enter turbine blades directly through maintenance access hatches and capture stabilised 4K footage and LiDAR data — safely and comprehensively.
Benefits of Internal Blade Surveys:
High-resolution footage of internal bonding and surface condition
Full visual access to bonding lines, trailing edge, and tip root
No confined space entry or manual access required
Immediate visibility of bonding failures, delamination, or contamination
LiDAR output for spatial awareness and mapping
Why Drone Surveys Are Ideal for Wind Turbine Inspection
Wind farms are typically remote, elevated, and difficult to access. Drone surveys allow for:
Rapid mobilisation and deployment
Minimal turbine disruption or shutdowns
Detailed reporting without putting personnel at height
Early fault detection, allowing for preventative action
Optimised inspection schedules based on real data, not fixed intervals
Our Deliverables Include
4K visual inspection footage
Thermal imagery with temperature anomaly identification
Annotated image sets with defect tagging
Internal and external condition reports
LiDAR-derived spatial data (internal inspections)
Integration-ready outputs for asset management systems
Frequently Asked Questions About Drone Surveys
Blades, nacelle, tower, hub, cooling systems, and even internal blade cavities can be inspected using external drones and confined space UAVs.
Yes. Our high-resolution imaging detects surface cracks, lightning damage, erosion, and other visual defects along the blade.
We use the Elios 3 confined space drone to enter turbine blades through maintenance hatches and visually inspect internal bonding and structure.
Can thermal cameras detect issues inside a turbine?
External inspections typically take under an hour per turbine. Internal inspections vary by access but can be completed in a single visit.
Yes. We are fully equipped to inspect both onshore and offshore wind turbines, with experience in harsh weather and marine environments.
Drone inspections deliver precise, consistent, and repeatable results with the ability to zoom in and geo-tag defects for precise location tracking.
Contact us via our website or phone to arrange a consultation. We’ll tailor the inspection approach based on your turbine model, site conditions and operational requirements.
Reports are typically delivered within 48–72 hours of survey completion, depending on project complexity.
We operate nationwide across the UK, with rapid deployment available for urgent inspections or planned maintenance support.
Trusted by Renewable Operators Across the UK
Our team has experience working across both onshore and offshore wind turbine sites. We are fully insured, CAA-approved, and trained in confined space protocols — offering both aerial survey and internal drone inspection capability in one coordinated service.
Book a Wind Turbine Drone Inspection Today
Whether you’re planning routine maintenance, warranty inspections, or need emergency post-event assessment, DJM Aerial Solutions provides safe, fast, and high-quality inspections of wind turbine assets.
Contact us today to schedule your survey or request a project-specific proposal.