The Boeing Company
Metallic fittings for coupling composite ribs to skin panels of aircraft wings

Abstract:

Metallic fittings for coupling composite ribs to skin panels of aircraft wings are described. An example metallic fitting includes a through hole configured to receive a fastener. The fastener is configured to couple the metallic fitting to a composite rib of an aircraft wing. The example metallic fitting further includes a bore configured to receive a bolt. The example metallic fitting further includes a cavity intersecting the bore. The cavity has an access opening. The example metallic fitting further includes a barrel nut located within the cavity. The barrel nut is configured to threadably engage the bolt to couple the metallic fitting to a skin panel of the aircraft wing. The example metallic fitting further includes a seal located within the cavity. The seal is configured to close the access opening.