Continued...
In order to save further time between issue of tooling surfaces and creep forming of the first wing skins, the tools were manufactured in two stages. Eight heavy-duty bases, one for each tool, were built first, complete with bogies and attachments so they would interact with the handling systems.
These bases were assembled before release of the final data. Following data release, rib board profiles were detailed, manufactured and assembled on the tools in eight weeks.
The first set of wing skins for the A380 was successfully creep-formed last summer to the complete satisfaction of Airbus. According to Richard Burgess of Bennetts, the success of large-scale complex creep forming at Broughton may well increase interest in the technology for other materials and structures, such as integral structures for aircraft wings that combine skins and stringers in a single component.
January 2004
Delivering a panel to the creep forming tool
Wrapping a wing skin and tool before creep forming in the autoclave
