Abstract: A method for assembling an aircraft engine nacelle inlet lip includes automatically positioning, with a controller an automated workstation in two degrees of freedom to position an articulated assembly fixture docking station in at least two predetermined joining positions, and effecting, with the controller, an ordered assembly of at least a forward bulkhead joint, a forward bulkhead to lipskin joint, a chord member to lipskin joint, an inner barrel to lipskin joint, an aft bulkhead to lipskin joint and an outer barrel to lipskin joint through an interface between an automated assembly tool and at least one of a plurality of assembly fixtures interchangeably mounted on the docking station, where each assembly fixture corresponds to an assembly step of the aircraft engine nacelle inlet lip and at least one of the assembly fixtures is common to more than one assembly step of the aircraft engine nacelle inlet lip.

Abstract: A blast shield for underbody protection of vehicles is presented that combines energy absorption and deflection in order to provide occupant protection and increased survivability in the event of an underbody explosive blast, especially those caused by improvised explosive devices. Absorption of blast energy is accomplished by a dampening system comprising a plurality of spaced hydraulic dampers position on a hull that deflects forces outward from underneath the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for assembling an aircraft engine nacelle inlet lip includes automatically positioning, with a controller an automated workstation in two degrees of freedom to position an articulated assembly fixture docking station in at least two predetermined joining positions, and effecting, with the controller, an ordered assembly of at least a forward bulkhead joint, a forward bulkhead to lipskin joint, a chord member to lipskin joint, an inner barrel to lipskin joint, an aft bulkhead to lipskin joint and an outer barrel to lipskin joint through an interface between an automated assembly tool and at least one of a plurality of assembly fixtures interchangeably mounted on the docking station, where each assembly fixture corresponds to an assembly step of the aircraft engine nacelle inlet lip and at least one of the assembly fixtures is common to more than one assembly step of the aircraft engine nacelle inlet lip.

Abstract: A blast shield for underbody protection of vehicles is presented that combines energy absorption and deflection in order to provide occupant protection and increased survivability in the event of an underbody explosive blast, especially those caused by improvised explosive devices. Absorption of blast energy is accomplished by a dampening system comprising a plurality of spaced hydraulic dampers position on a hull that deflects forces outward from underneath the vehicle.