The project focused on creating a drone‑based inspection system for both onshore and offshore wind turbines. In the first phase a lightweight prototype was built on the DJI Matrice 300 RTK platform. This version was used to validate the on‑site software and control algorithms that enable the UAV to autonomously orient itself toward a wind turbine and to navigate around the structure. The prototype incorporated a rotor‑blade protection device, infrared distance sensors on all sides, and a flexible gimbal for mounting the DJI Zenmuse H20T camera, which provides both optical and thermal imaging. An onboard computer, the DJI Manifold 2, was selected for its low weight and sufficient processing power, allowing real‑time image capture and preliminary data processing without the need for additional custom hardware.

The second phase upgraded the system to a heavy‑weight variant suitable for offshore operations. Modifications included a buoyancy system to allow water landings, a reinforced landing gear, and additional sensors such as LiDAR and ultrasound for obstacle detection over water. The offshore prototype was flown in real‑world conditions to test the full software stack, including automated flight planning, data acquisition, and post‑flight error classification. The system’s data handling pipeline was designed to store raw imagery and sensor logs in a structured database, enabling quick retrieval and visual inspection of detected anomalies. While the report does not provide explicit numerical performance metrics, it documents that the prototype met all technical requirements defined in the project’s functional specification, including compliance with relevant German and EU standards for non‑destructive testing and UAV operation.

In parallel, the project developed flight procedures and obtained regulatory approvals. A comprehensive flight operations handbook was produced in accordance with EU regulations (EU 2019/945, EU 2019/947, EU 2018/1139) and German aviation authority guidelines. The procedures classify UAV operations into “open”, “special”, and “certified” categories, with the inspection flights falling into the “special” category due to their beyond‑visual‑line‑of‑sight nature. The project secured necessary authorisations from the Federal Aviation Office (LBA), state aviation authorities, and the German Maritime Safety Administration (BSH). A dedicated drone day held on 5 October 2022, organised by VDE Renewables and RolaWind, showcased the system’s capabilities and demonstrated compliance with regulatory requirements.

Collaboration was led by VDE Renewables GmbH, with academic partners from the University of Lübeck and Christian‑Albrechts‑University of Kiel contributing to the functional specification, hardware integration, and algorithm development. RolaWind participated in organising the public demonstration and in the regulatory liaison. The LBA served as a key stakeholder, providing guidance on regulatory matters and facilitating the approval process. The project commenced in early 2021, with the functional specification drafted in the first quarter and subsequent development and testing carried out over the following months. Funding was provided through an unspecified European research grant, supporting the procurement of the base UAV, sensors, and ground‑station equipment, as well as the development of the software and regulatory documentation. The final report confirms that the project achieved its objectives of delivering a fully operational, regulatory‑compliant drone inspection system for wind turbines, ready for deployment in both onshore and offshore environments.