The Boeing Company
High rate pulsing wing assembly line

Abstract:

A single piece pulsed flow wing assembly method providing for horizontal wing manufacture is accomplished using synchronized automated vehicles guided in a predetermined manner to move and, locate wing structure in a plurality of assembly positions. Multi-axis assembly positioning systems (MAPS) are used at each assembly position to support and index components in the wing structure and determinant assembly techniques are used for indexing of the components. Modular automated manufacturing processes employing magnetic assembly clamping, drilling, fastener insertion, and sealant application are employed.