Abstract: A system for detecting, in an examination, at least one defect in a target area of an article using a controller with a processor, an oscillator, a display, and an amplifier. The controller generates sonic pulses and receives pulse reflections. The system includes a sonic probe with an array of pulse transmitting-receiving elements that fires the sonic pulses and receives the pulse reflections. The system includes a couplant applied between the sonic probe and a test surface of the article. The couplant conducts the sonic pulses between the sonic probe and the article. The sonic pulses detect defects in the target area of the article. The sonic pulses are transmitted by the sonic probe into the target area, reflected off of the defect, returned to the sonic probe, received by the pulse transmitting-receiving elements, and are transmitted to the controller.