A method of producing part of an aircraft 2 comprises providing a frame 4 having a first surface 10, a second surface 12, and one or more side edges 14 between the first and second surfaces. The frame 4 is mounted to a first tool 20. The first tool 20 comprises a support surface 22 that contacts the second surface 12 of the frame 4 to oppose movement of the frame 4. While the frame 4 is mounted to the first tool 20 the first surface 10 is machined to form attachment features. The machined frame 4 is then attached to a second tool (30, fig 5) which contacts with the frame 4 at only the one or more side edges 14. While the frame 4 is mounted to the second tool, aircraft panels 6, 8 are attached to the first and second surfaces 10, 12, using the attachment features to form an outer skin.
Aircraft part assembly
2017-02-15
Patent
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch