The Hole Story of the F-35

Abstract

On the F35 program there are roughly 40,000 fastener holes per aircraft, and on an airframe that pushes the limits of defense aircraft manufacturing presents unique inspection challenges. The Lockheed Martin Operations Technology Metrology team in collaboration with Government Partners have approached these challenges over the years through the development of new technology and methods that enable 3D scanning for difficult bore hole inspections and critical low observable coatings measurement.

This presentation will go over the two innovative technologies and methods the team has developed for characterizing internal surfaces of fastener holes and validating external fastener flushness coating measurements, and how these tools enable producing a better and more affordable 5th Generation aircraft.