Keywords
Citation
(2002), "New machine for Tornado fighters", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 74 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2002.12774aab.013
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2002, MCB UP Limited
New machine for Tornado fighters
Aerospace technology
New machine for Tornado fighters
Keywords: Aircraft, Technology
A novel machine, manufactured by engineering solutions specialist Furmanite and designed in partnership with BAE Systems, is set to be rolled out to air forces across the world following a successful on- site trial with the Luftwaffe in Germany recently.
In-flight stresses to Tornado taileron spigots mean that their bearings can become distorted and worn oval. This stops the taileron from operating effectively and, until now, has meant grounding an aircraft for return to works, rear fuselage strip and replacement of the worn parts. This process could take three months and approximately £500,000. According to Furmanite, using the new machine, the job can now be carried out in under a week in a hangar environment. With over a thousand Tornado aircraft in use across the world the implications are considerable.
Stated to be accurate to within ± 0.005mm (ten microns, 1 micron being 1/75th of a human hair width), the equipment, commissioned by BAE Systems, is said to be capable of machining the inboard journal of a taileron spigot in-situ. It is also said to provide the essential smooth surface finish, achieving 0.8 micrometres. The precision required is reportedly achieved using a bearing which allows the machine to rotate, and slide-ways that move the machine along the journal.
According to the manufacturers this machine is lightweight and portable, is air- powered and accurately locates onto the spigot diameter. Using an electric probe the machine measures the critical bearing diameter throughout the machine operation. The machining operation can reportedly be carried out within days, providing massive cost savings to the aircraft operator.
The new machine was developed over the last twelve months for use at BAE Systems' Warton site. Following extensive in-house cutting trials, problems of precise reproduction are said to have been overcome and it is now capable of performing to the same precise tolerances in the field. It has been nominated for a BAE Systems Chairman's Award for Innovation.
Details available from: Furmanite, Tel: +44 (0) 1242 5288777.