Mechanical and Structural Aspects of the C-17 Cargo Ramp and Cargo Door ADFS C-17 Strength, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems

Format:

Conference/Event

Author/Creator:

Muñoz, Philip R., author.

Conference Name:

2002 SAE Automated Fastening Conference & Exhibition (2002-10-01 : Chester, United Kingdom)

Language:

English

Physical Description:

1 online resource

Place of Publication:

Warrendale, PA SAE International 2002

Summary:

The cargo ramp and cargo door are two major C-17 components that are built in St. Louis, MO and shipped by rail for final assembly in Long Beach, CA. A major portion of the total build time for the ramp and door assemblies consisted of the hand installation of approximately 16,000 moldline fasteners and 19,400 moldline fasteners, respectively, attaching the skin to the substructure. In addition, several thousand fasteners are also installed in the floor sections of the ramp and door. A major cost savings opportunity existed to reduce the cost of the ramp and door assemblies by automating the installation of these fasteners. Boeing-St. Louis contracted Brotje Automation of Wiefelstede, Germany to design and build an automated drilling and fastening system (ADFS). Automation is expected to reduce cost by reducing the time required to build the ramp and door assemblies. In addition, automation is expected to improve fastener hole quality and fastener installation quality. Another important reason for undertaking this project was to enable Boeing-St. Louis to strengthen its position as an industry leader and innovator in aerospace manufacturing. This paper describes the mechanical and structural challenges (associated with hoisting and supporting the assemblies) that were overcome to implement this initiative

Notes:

Vendor supplied data

Publisher Number:

2002-01-2628

Access Restriction:

Restricted for use by site license