Variable radius inspection using sweeping linear array

A scanning system comprising:

• a probe body;
• a sweeper bridge assembly pivotably coupled to said probe body for pivoting about a sweep axis, said sweeper bridge assembly comprising first and second sweep drive axles each having first and second ends and a common axis, said first ends of said first and second sweep drive axles being pivotably coupled to said probe body, a first sweep drive flange attached to said second end of said first sweep drive axle and comprising a first linear motion guide half, a second sweep drive flange attached to said second end of said second sweep drive axle and comprising a second linear motion guide half, and a sensor position adjustment subassembly which is translatable relative to said first and second sweep drive flanges only along said first and second linear motion guide halves;
• and
• a sensor supported by said sensor position adjustment subassembly,
• wherein said sensor position adjustment subassembly comprises:
• first and second bridge towers;
• a bridge connecting said first and second bridge towers;
• third and fourth linear motion guide halves respectively attached to said first and second bridge towers and respectively translatably coupled to said first and second linear motion guide halves for guiding said sensor position adjustment subassembly to move linearly in a direction normal or nearly normal to said sweep axis;
• and
• a sensor holder that holds said sensor and is pivotable relative to said sensor position adjustment subassembly only about a topple pivot axis which is generally parallel to said sweep axis.