Significant progress has been made on the fuselage frame since our last frame update. In addition to completing all of the welding on the wing box we started on the forward and aft bulkheads. These three sub-assemblies will be welded together to form a very strong triangular structure.
Here's what we are working toward.
Aft bulkhead tubes have been coped and fitted into the tooling.
A tight fit will simplify the welding.
The top and bottom tubes of the aft bulkhead are placed in the jig to confirm proper fit yet they will not be welded.
The aft bulkhead moved to the welding area.
Completed sub-assemblies. Next step will be to weld the aft bulkhead, forward bulkhead, and wing box to create the main triangular structure of the fuselage frame.
Landing gear box assembly with lower aft keel pocket in place. This will not be welded until the keel is ready for installation.
Landing gear end of forward bulkhead.
The main spar tube is for fitment purposes only. The forward bulhead will be welded to the main spar tube that is already part of the wing box.
Completed forward bulkhead.
Landing gear box assembly placed in tooling fixture.
Landing gear box assembly ready for welding.
Boring the holes using the mill.
Close-up of the instrument panel mount tube.
Instrument panel assembly fitted in the tooling.
Welded instrument panel and landing gear box assemblies.
We designed and 3D printed tooling to help get the correct placement and angle of the mount tube holes.
