DESCRIPTION

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention describes a fixture for integration of Rear and Nose cone of drop tank assembly to the Centre section. BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Drop tanks are used to carry additional fuel to extend the flight duration of fighter aircrafts in Light Combat aircraft. ATF (Aviation Turbine Fuel) is filled to these drop tanks and fitted to the external store attachment of the aircraft. Drop Tank assy is fitted to Pylon which is the interface between drop tank and wing/fuselage. Fuel inside the drop tank can be utilized to increase the flight range.

Drop tank mainly consist of three parts Nose cone, Centre section and rear cone fabricated out of Composite material (as shown in Figure-1). All three of these parts are integrated together with fasteners to make leak proof condition. Extreme care is required while integration of cone portions to the centre section. A slight misalignment in the assembly will cause Air/fuel leakage from the joining area of fully assembled drop tank while carrying out functional tests. SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In view of the above back ground, an integration fixture was conceptualized to integrate Centre section and Rear/Nose cone. Fixture as shown in Figure-2 was designed to locate both halves.of drop tanks together with proper holding. This will ensure the alignment of both portions of drop tank. Special tooling holes were provided on tank bodies to accommodate the fixture. Tooling hole will ensure the fitting of fixture to the body of drop tank. Two rings connected on either half of the housing can be bolted together and proper alignment can be ensured.

Process Description of Using fixture

i) Fixtures were fabricated with C45 material as per the design

ii) Two halves of the fixtures are bolted together.

iii) One set is fitted to center section of the drop tank and other to rear, side or Nose cone by locating pin.

iv) Rear Cone /Nose Cone will be brought near to Centre section and axial bolts will be fitted to integration fixture.

v) By tightening the axial bolts, center section and Nose/Rear cone section will be brought together and assembled with fasteners.

vi) After removing integration fixture, remaining fasteners can be fitted.

CLAIMS

We claim,

• Concept of integration fixture for 800/725 Itrs drop tank assembly for reducing cycle time and improving quality of drop tanks assembly for LCA.