Abstract: Disclosed wing-to-body join methods include commanding a wing to a first command position and then iteratively repeating a first-phase movement and/or commanding a wing to a second command position and then iteratively repeating a second-phase movement. The first-phase movement includes determining a real position of the wing, calculating a first-phase difference between the real position and the first command position, and commanding the wing to reduce the magnitude of the first-phase difference. The second-phase movement includes determining a real position of the wing, determining a real position of the body, calculating a second-phase difference based on the second command position and the real positions of the wing and body, and commanding the wing to reduce the magnitude of the second-phase difference. Some embodiments include performing a port-side move for a port wing of the aircraft and performing a starboard-side move for a starboard wing of the aircraft.

Abstract: A method including placing first and second measurement devices proximate first and second aircraft doors, respectively, and determining a first position of the second measurement device relative to a second position of the first measurement device. The method includes placing first and second pluralities of reflective devices inside the aircraft proximate the first and second doors, respectively. The method includes measuring first and second distances from the first and second measurement devices to the first and second pluralities of reflective devices, respectively, and measuring second distances from the second measurement device to the second plurality of reflective devices. Based on a determined position of the second measurement device and further based on the first distances and second distances, third distances are determined between each of the first and second pluralities of reflective devices. The third distances provide a measurement baseline for points on a fuselage and wings.

Abstract: A method including placing first and second measurement devices proximate first and second aircraft doors, respectively, and determining a first position of the second measurement device relative to a second position of the first measurement device. The method includes placing first and second pluralities of reflective devices inside the aircraft proximate the first and second doors, respectively. The method includes measuring first and second distances from the first and second measurement devices to the first and second pluralities of reflective devices, respectively, and measuring second distances from the second measurement device to the second plurality of reflective devices. Based on a determined position of the second measurement device and further based on the first distances and second distances, third distances are determined between each of the first and second pluralities of reflective devices. The third distances provide a measurement baseline for points on a fuselage and wings.

Abstract: An automated motorized assembly may be utilized to move a laser reflector on inside or outside surfaces, along edges of barrel shape structures. The laser reflector may be used to reflect laser signals back to a laser tracker metrology system locked in on the laser reflector. The laser tracker may follow the laser reflector as it moves along an edge of a barrel shape structure, acquiring circumferential data. The laser reflector may be moved to different positions to enable obtaining different circumferential rows of data. The automated motorized assembly may comprise a movement component that ensures consistent, continued, and/or tight movement along the traversed edge. The movement component may comprise a plurality of wheels and/or rollers, and one or more motors for driving at least some of the wheels and/or rollers. The automated motorized assembly may be controlled by user input, which may be communicated wirelessly.

Abstract: An automated motorized assembly may be utilized to move a laser reflector on inside or outside surfaces, along edges of barrel shape structures. The laser reflector may be used to reflect laser signals back to a laser tracker metrology system locked in on the laser reflector. The laser tracker may follow the laser reflector as it moves along an edge of a barrel shape structure, acquiring circumferential data. The laser reflector may be moved to different positions to enable obtaining different circumferential rows of data. The automated motorized assembly may comprise a movement component that ensures consistent, continued, and/or tight movement along the traversed edge. The movement component may comprise a plurality of wheels and/or rollers, and one or more motors for driving at least some of the wheels and/or rollers. The automated motorized assembly may be controlled by user input, which may be communicated wirelessly.

Abstract: The different advantageous embodiments provide a method for alignment of platform features. A number of feature locations for a platform is identified using a platform model. A number of platform instructions for taking measurements at the number of feature locations is identified using the platform model. Instructions are generated having a number of measurement locations for each feature location in the number of feature locations for the platform.