Replica watches
atr-aeromorning-banner-accueil-698x96
enac-aeromorning-en
LHR_21-03_Aerospace_600x100
collins-aerospace
atr-aeromorning-banner-accueil-698x96
Collins
previous arrow
next arrow

First T-7A Red Hawk Joined in Record Time

Boeing T-7A Red Hawk aircraft mechanic Will Helton examines the surface of the first spliced advanced trainer being produced in St. Louis as part of the U.S. Air Force contract for 351 of the new jets.

First T-7A Red Hawk Joined in Record Time, Thanks to Digital Design

First splice of forward and aft sections follows digital path

Quality and production time improved

ST. LOUIS, May 13, 2021 — In one historic moment, the front fuselage of the first Boeing [NYSE: BA]-Saab T-7A Red Hawk advanced trainer was joined perfectly with its aft section in less than 30 minutes — a testament to the digital heritage of the U.S. Air Force’s first “eSeries” aircraft and witness to the benefits of model-based engineering and 3D design.

The digital splice was completed in 95% less time than traditional splices and with substantial quality improvements.

“This moment marks a key stage in the evolution of the T-7A Red Hawk,” said Chuck Dabundo, vice president and program manager of Boeing T-7 programs. “Employing digitally advanced manufacturing and build techniques developed by Boeing over the past two decades, we are bringing this trainer to future pilots sooner than ever before possible and with greater quality.”

The aft fuselage was designed and built by Saab in Linköping, Sweden, under a joint development agreement with Boeing. After making the journey of more than 4,500 miles (7,200 kilometers) to St. Louis, the aft section was lined up perfectly to the forward fuselage by Boeing aircraft mechanics.

The aircraft, which will be used for static test, is the first engineering and manufacturing development test asset to be spliced. It will be followed by five engineering and manufacturing development jets as part of 351 T-7A Red Hawk trainers to be produced for the U.S. Air Force.

“What we’re seeing in this new evolution of digitally designed, engineered and manufactured aircraft is a 50% improvement in overall production quality and as much as a 98% reduction in drilling defects,” said Andrew Stark, Boeing T-7A Red Hawk production director. “It’s a new way of producing airplanes with improved quality throughout the whole journey.”

Source : Boeing

Be the first to comment on "First T-7A Red Hawk Joined in Record Time"

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published.


*