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Boeing
reduces F-22 program costs with new wing process Seattle.
(Dec. 8, 1999) --
Boeing loaded the first
F-22 skin panel, for the ninth flight-test aircraft, into a new wing
skin assembly tool.
The tooling will reduce the time it takes to build a set of wings by
approximately 370 hours, and cut overall cycle time by 12 percent.
The
new tool, with a built-in overhead handling system, also will improve
wing quality. It allows a more rapid and even application of pressure as
the upper and lower wing skins are attached to the substructure,
reducing variability and ensuring a better overall fit.
During
the wing-assembly process, a caulk-like material is put on the skin and
then pressure is applied to fill in any gaps between the skin and
substructure. With the new tool, air bags inflate and uniformly apply
pressure, thereby eliminating the requirement for 400 temporary
fasteners.
Jeff
Stone, Boeing F-22 manufacturing manager, said the idea for the tool
came about as part of the team's ongoing process improvement program.
"We're
continuously looking for ways to reduce costs on the F-22 program,"
Stone said. "This is another positive step in making our assembly
process 'leaner' as we move toward production."
Boeing
to date has delivered wings for the first six flight-test and two
ground-test aircraft to team partner Lockheed Martin in Marietta, Ga.
The first set of wings built using the new tooling will be delivered in
mid-2000. (Courtesy of Air Combat Command News Service)
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