PLANS UNDERWAY TO BEGIN THE FINAL ASSEMBLY AND MATE SYSTEM FOR THE JOINT STRIKE FIGHTER

Advanced Integration Technology will work with Lockheed Martin to create an automated laser alignment and assembly system for the JSF, the first project to utilize such technology at Lockheeds Aeronautics Headquarters

Plano, TX (PRWEB) December 11, 2003 --Advanced Integration Technology (AIT), a turnkey supplier of automated aircraft assembly and tooling, has recently begun work on the final mate and assembly system for Lockheed Martins Joint Strike Fighter. As the projects prime contractor, AIT is responsible for providing two automated flexible positioning systems containing 32 positioners with laser alignment devises, 4 major assemblies, as well as their specialized control and graphical user interface software. The entire system will be used for the final alignment and joining of the aircrafts forward, center, and aft fuselage assemblies and wing assembly at Lockheed Martins Fort Worth, Texas facility.

All the technology incorporated into the final mate and assembly system was especially crafted to increase the speed of production and improve quality. The automated positioning and alignment system incorporates laser tracking and Indoor GPS systems to facilitate aircraft structure and alignment join by locating parts and controlling aircraft geometry. The use of lasers allows for real time measurements to confirm tolerances and validate design, leading to a more efficient, rapid and accurate procedure. The flexible, automated systems will provide faster tool setup times, faster positioning of assemblies and fewer hard tooling moves and reconfigurations than conventional tooling. This flexibility will prove to be exceptionally helpful, especially since three versions of the aircraft will eventually be produced.

Our work with the JSF Final Mate and Assembly will bring together much of the core technology developed by AIT over the past 10 years," said Ed Chalupa Chief Engineer to the project and company president. We are excited to be apart of the ground-breaking work and to be working as a prime contractor to Lockheed Martin."

The JSF project will be the first at Lockheed Martins Fort Worth facility to employ this type of automated system. The technology, however, helps to accomplish the overall goal of creating the most advanced stealth fighter to date while monitoring costs and achieving affordability. Over the past ten years, AIT has successfully helped other aeronautics firms to utilize similar automation technology. The company currently has over 60 automated aircraft assembly systems in use worldwide. The Final Mate and Assembly System for the Joint Strike Fighter is scheduled to be in production by November 2004.

According to current projections, Lockheed Martin will produce 3000+ JSF aircraft for the U.S. Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps, as well as the United Kingdoms Royal Navy and Royal Air Force with the first deliveries scheduled for 2008. The JSF supersonic stealth fighter is designed to replace aging fighter aircraft in the U.S. and UK, including the A-10, F-14, F-16, F/A-18 and Harrier.

About Advanced Integration Technology

Advanced Integration Technology Inc. is an engineering and manufacturing company that specializes in the design and development of full turnkey aerospace factory automation systems. The company currently has over 60 automated aircraft positioning systems in service worldwide. AIT has extensive experience in several manufacturing industries and has worked as a prime contractor for companies such as Airbus, The Boeing Company, McDonnell Douglas, Bombardier/Learjet, Northrop Grumman, and British Aerospace.

Advanced Integration Technology was incorporated in 1992 and has served as a prime contractor since 1994. In 1998, as a part of an initiative to make systems more affordable and reduce lead-time, AIT brought mechanical detailing and manufacturing in house.
Headquartered in Plano, Texas they also have design and manufacturing facilities in Seattle, Washington and Vancouver, Canada and are scheduled to open another facility in Madrid, Spain by mid December 2003. In addition to their work with Lockheed Martin, AIT is also currently working as a prime contractor with Airbus to provide automated tooling for the construction of the A380s Section 19.
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