Jay Clemens
Northrop Grumman has begun to implement a fresh optical projection system in the company’s assembly line for the F-35 Lightning II aircraft.
Aircraft mechanics use the fastener insertion live link system to automate how they validate, select and insert composite panel fasteners to the F-35 aircraft frame, Northrop said Tuesday.
“FILLS is a critical part in our plan to increase F-35 affordability,” said Brian Chappel, vice president and F-35 program manager at Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems.
“It simplifies and streamlines our center fuselage production process, which allows our mechanics to work faster more efficiently with a higher degree of precision.”
The system comprises three-dimensional optical projection technology and wireless handling for fastener hole measurement data.
Variation Reduction Solutions, Delta Sigma Corp. and Northrop Grumman worked with the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory to develop the platform.
