Abstract: A joint for connecting a center wing box to a bulkhead of an aircraft. The joint includes a flex angle member with a first section shaped to abut against and be connected to the center wing box, a second section shaped to abut against and be connected to a first side of the deck of the bulkhead, and an intermediate rounded corner positioned between the first and second sections. First support members are attached to the center wing box at first pins and support a first side of the second section of the flex angle member. Second support members are attached to the web of the bulkhead at second pins and support a second side of the second section of the flex angle member. The first support members are positioned on a first side of the deck of the bulkhead and the second support members are positioned on an opposing second side of the deck.

Abstract: Pressure decks, aircraft that incorporate the pressure decks, and methods of manufacturing the pressure decks, where the pressure decks include a planar center deck section configured to be attached to a keel beam of the aircraft and a pair of diagonal deck panels each extending inwardly and downwardly from a front wing spar to the planar center deck section. The pressure deck attaches the front wing spar to the keel beam at positions selected to minimize deflection stresses on the pressure deck exerted by relative movement between the front wing spar and the keel beam.

Abstract: A joint for connecting a center wing box to a bulkhead of an aircraft. The joint includes a flex angle member with a first section shaped to abut against and be connected to the center wing box, a second section shaped to abut against and be connected to a first side of the deck of the bulkhead, and an intermediate rounded corner positioned between the first and second sections. First support members are attached to the center wing box at first pins and support a first side of the second section of the flex angle member. Second support members are attached to the web of the bulkhead at second pins and support a second side of the second section of the flex angle member. The first support members are positioned on a first side of the deck of the bulkhead and the second support members are positioned on an opposing second side of the deck.

Abstract: Pressure decks, aircraft that incorporate the pressure decks, and methods of manufacturing the pressure decks, where the pressure decks include a planar center deck section configured to be attached to a keel beam of the aircraft and a pair of diagonal deck panels each extending inwardly and downwardly from a front wing spar to the planar center deck section. The pressure deck attaches the front wing spar to the keel beam at positions selected to minimize deflection stresses on the pressure deck exerted by relative movement between the front wing spar and the keel beam.

Abstract: A splice and an associated method are provided in order to efficiently join structures, such as adjacent fuselage sections. A splice for joining fuselage sections may include a strap configured to bridge the fuselage sections, a shear tie overlying the strap and a fitting positioned between the strap and the shear tie such that the strap and the shear tie are spaced apart. At least the strap and the fitting may be formed of a composite material. The fitting may have an H-shape and may have first and second longitudinally extending sections that extend beyond opposite sides of the strap. Each longitudinally extending section is configured to overlie at least two stringers of a respective fuselage section. The fitting may also have a medial portion upon which the shear tie is seated.

Abstract: A splice and an associated method are provided in order to efficiently join structures, such as adjacent fuselage sections. A splice for joining fuselage sections may include a strap configured to bridge the fuselage sections, a shear tie overlying the strap and a fitting positioned between the strap and the shear tie such that the strap and the shear tie are spaced apart. At least the strap and the fitting may be formed of a composite material. The fitting may have an H-shape and may have first and second longitudinally extending sections that extend beyond opposite sides of the strap. Each longitudinally extending section is configured to overlie at least two stringers of a respective fuselage section. The fitting may also have a medial portion upon which the shear tie is seated.