F-16 HARM Targeting Pod

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.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 28, 2005
Accession Number
ADA481833

Entities

Organizations

  • National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aluminum
  • Contracts
  • Cost Reductions
  • Elements
  • Information Operations
  • Inspection
  • Machines
  • Machining
  • Manufacturing
  • Rigidity
  • Standards
  • Targeting
  • Technology Transfer

Readers

  • Facility/Structural Engineering.
  • Manufacturing Engineering.
  • Software Engineering