RH Aero Introduces FutureDrive X at MRO Europe 2026, in Engine Borescope Inspections

Amsterdam, the Netherlands – October 28, 2026 – RH Aero Systems is presenting the second prototype of FutureDrive X at MRO Europe 2026, introducing the latest evolution of its electronic engine turning technology. Building on more than 30 years of FutureDrive experience, the new system is being developed to improve blade positioning accuracy and simplify the workflow during engine borescope inspections.

Accurate blade positioning is essential for reliable borescope inspections. Technicians must rotate the engine shaft to bring individual compressor and turbine blades into view, inspect them and, when necessary, return to specific blades for further assessment. Electronic turning tools such as FutureDrive NG+ have made this process considerably more controlled and repeatable. However, mechanical friction and backlash within the engine drive interface can still affect the final blade position, requiring additional adjustments by the technician.

FutureDrive X is designed to address this remaining challenge by incorporating visual feedback directly from the borescope video signal. Using HDMI-based blade tracking, the system is intended to identify the blade's position within the inspection image and support more accurate, repeatable positioning. This approach connects electronically controlled engine rotation more closely with what the technician actually sees during the inspection.

The development also introduces a tablet-based user interface, automatic backlash setup and a higher-torque motor. Together with a software-defined system architecture, these improvements are intended to simplify operation and provide greater flexibility for engine maintenance organizations working across multiple engine types.

"With FutureDrive NG+, we established a controlled and repeatable approach to electronic engine turning. FutureDrive X takes the next step by bringing feedback from the borescope image into the positioning process. Our development focus is on helping technicians position and revisit blades more consistently while making the inspection workflow easier to manage," said Graeme Budd, Product Manager at RH Aero Systems.

The development builds on RH Aero's established experience in electronic engine turning and its existing integration with Waygate Technologies' MViQ+ borescope platform. Further development of the interaction between engine turning and borescope control remains part of the FutureDrive X program, supporting the ambition to make borescope inspection workflows more connected and easier to manage.

FutureDrive X is currently in development, with product release targeted for the second quarter of 2027. The presentation at MRO Europe provides an opportunity for RH Aero to introduce the technology, discuss its capabilities and gather feedback from engine maintenance professionals ahead of its planned market introduction.

Visitors can see the FutureDrive X prototype during MRO Europe in Amsterdam, 28–29 October 2026.