Assembly work on NASA's X-59 Quiet SuperSonic Technology, or QueSST, aircraft continues to march on at a steady pace, as the main wing nears completion at the Lockheed Martin Skunk Works facility in Palmdale, California.
Aided by robotic technology, the X-59 QueSST team recently finished drilling the composite wing skins by utilizing a Combined Operation: Bolting and Robotic AutoDrill system, simply known as COBRA. The automated robotic system removes the necessity of multistep labor-intensive operations: drilling, countersinking and inspecting holes all at once, combining what would have traditionally taken multiple personnel to complete into a single process. The automated machinery marks a step forward in the manufacturing speed and accuracy of the X-59, as all inspection records are digitally recorded and later reviewed in developing the next stage of precision crafted parts for the aircraft.
Automated systems such as the COBRA are just one of many advanced tools NASA and the Skunk Works team is leveraging to make the Low-Boom Flight Demonstration a success. Progressing forward, the team will continue to work on the single-piece wing, center fuselage and empennage structural sub-assemblies.
Contact details from our directory: | |
Lockheed Martin Skunk Works | Research/Consulting Services, Design Services, Technical/Eng/Scientific Studies, Airframer, Airborne Communication Systems, Collision Avoidance Systems/TCAS |
NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center | Vibration Testing, Research/Consulting Services, Testing Services |
Related aircraft programs: |
Lockheed Martin Skunk Works X-59 QueSST |
Related directory sectors: |
Technical Consultants |
Design |
Weekly news by email:
See the latest Bulletin, and sign up free‑of‑charge for future editions.
Bell Mexico delivers 800th commercial aircraft cabin
Chile's ENAER expands cooperation with Embraer
Eve names KAI as supplier for eVTOL pylons