F-16 HARM Targeting Pod

F-16 HARM Targeting Pod

Active / Technical Report | Accession Number: ADA481833 |

Abstract:

Lockheed Martin Aeroparts, Johnstown, Pennsylvania, received a contract to manufacture 96 weapons pylons for USAF F-16 upgrades. There are expectations of a follow-on order for 198 additional units. The pylon is made from an aluminum casting and requires machining in five different positions. In-process inspection via Non-Destructive Testing NDT using Liquid Penetrant LP also is required. Because the component has multiple critical features controlled by close tolerances, the part must be NDT inspected while remaining in the fixture to assure that the component does not move. Due to the complex shape of the part, stability and rigidity were of great concern in the tool design process. Problems occurred when attempting to relocate and NDT inspect the component. The operation was very cumbersome and time-consuming. Lockheed Martin asked the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining NCDMM to provide or recommend a solution to reduce the setup time and locating effort required.

Author(s):

No Author(s) Identified

Author Organization(s):

NATIONAL CENTER FOR DEFENSE MANUFACTURING AND MACHINING LATROBE PA

Descriptive Note:

Technical rept.

Supplementary Note:

DOI: 10.21236/ADA481833

Pagination:

0002

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:

Approved For Public Release

Distribution Statement:

Approved For Public Release; Distribution Is Unlimited.

RECORD

Collection: TR

Identifying Numbers

Project Number(s):

NCDMM-04-0035-03

Monitor Series:

NCDMM

Subject Terms

Joint Capability Areas:

JCA_8_Building Partnerships

Communities of Interest:

Materials and Manufacturing Processes

Descriptor(s):

*NONDESTRUCTIVE TESTING, *MANUFACTURING, *STRUTS, *WEAPON SYSTEMS, *JET FIGHTERS, *INSPECTION, *MACHINING, POSITIONING DEVICES(MACHINERY), CLAMPS, TOLERANCES(MECHANICS), COST REDUCTION, PRODUCTION ENGINEERING, MODIFICATION, ALUMINUM

Field(s)/Group(s):

Attack and Fighter Aircraft, Manufacturing and Industrial Engineering and Control of Production Systems, Machinery and Tools, Structural Engineering and Building Technology

Keyword(s):

*F 16 UPGRADES, *WEAPONS PYLONS, F 16 AIRCRAFT, CLAMPING, TARGETING PYLONS, COST SAVINGS

Report Date:

2005 Jun 28

Creation Date:

2008 Jun 11