In 2018, Jeff Martin, host of Defense News Weekly, offered viewers a behind-the-scenes look at F-35 Lightning II production. He showed how automation and advanced technologies shape manufacturing at Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth, Texas facility. The aircraft manufacturer had produced its 91st fifth-generation fighter at the time of recording. The company expected to hit more than 130 jets in 2019. This represented an increase of about 50% as they approached full-rate production, according to the host.
“We’re ready to go! We’ve been ready for a long time.”
Senior Fellow for F-35 Production Don Kinard spoke about the difficulties of initial manufacturing setup. He explained how the process has changed over the last 15 years.
“The startups are always difficult,” Kinard said. “The magic now involves doing it more efficiently. We use technology, improve quality, and train new mechanics on their processes.”
Kinard later explained the assembly process flow. He described the rigorous testing the F-35 undergoes before delivery to customers.
“The technology is something we can’t separate.”
“The technology is something we can’t separate.”
Workers still do much of the assembly manually. However, that’s changing as the company implements automated technology to drive efficiency.
“We’re putting more automation in,” the Senior Fellow remarked. “We use more automated hole drilling and more scanning technology. Instead of taking individual measurements on the airplane, we scan the aircraft to collect quality data. All kinds of technology have enhanced automation.”
Unexpected challenges have caused problems for the F-35. The supply chain presents particular difficulties. Kinard believed the new automated scanning process, or non-contact metrology, would help.
The automated scanning process does more than collect data. It draws comparison from the as-built model to the as-designed model. The scanning technology, non-contact metrology, verifies that manufacturing matches engineering intentions.
Blink and you’ll miss it
Blink and you’ll miss it
If you look closely, you may see how an automated robotic system is doing its part in the final finishing booth. A robotic paint system is responsible for applying low-observable coating on the F-35. In case you missed it, we took screenshots.
