The Boeing Company
Machine in-place tile thermal protection

Abstract:

A method for building an aerodynamic structure, an aerodynamic structure, and a vehicle that includes the aerodynamic structure are provided. The method includes providing a structure with at least one substantially-flat exterior surface. The method also includes attaching blocks of rigid fibrous insulation to the at least one substantially-flat outer surface of the structure. Outward-facing surfaces of the blocks of rigid fibrous insulation extend past a target outer mold line of a final aerodynamic shape. The method also includes machining the outward-facing surfaces of the attached blocks to the outer mold line.