Abstract: A system for moving first and second fuselage structures into assembly alignment, the system including a first transmitter indexed to a first seat track of the first fuselage structure, a first reflector target indexed to a first seat track of the second fuselage structure, a second transmitter indexed to a second seat track of the first fuselage structure, a second reflector target indexed to a second seat track of the second fuselage structure, wherein the first and second transmitters and the first and second reflector targets cooperate to provide first and second measurements indicative of position of the first fuselage structure relative to the second fuselage structure, and a manipulator system including at least one assembly actuator coupled to the first fuselage structure to move the first fuselage structure into assembly alignment with the second fuselage structure based upon the first and second measurements.

Abstract: A system for moving first and second fuselage structures into assembly alignment, the system including a first transmitter indexed to a first seat track of the first fuselage structure, a first reflector target indexed to a first seat track of the second fuselage structure, a second transmitter indexed to a second seat track of the first fuselage structure, a second reflector target indexed to a second seat track of the second fuselage structure, wherein the first and second transmitters and the first and second reflector targets cooperate to provide first and second measurements indicative of position of the first fuselage structure relative to the second fuselage structure, and a manipulator system including at least one assembly actuator coupled to the first fuselage structure to move the first fuselage structure into assembly alignment with the second fuselage structure based upon the first and second measurements.

Abstract: There is provided a tool assembly for transferring locations and dimensions of a pattern of holes from a first structure to a second structure. The tool assembly has a transfer plate with a transfer plate pattern of transfer plate holes that include a plurality of oversize holes and two transfer plate index holes. The transfer plate pattern is substantially identical to the pattern in the first structure. The tool assembly has one or more alignment elements installed in the plurality of oversize holes. Each alignment element has a through opening in a coaxial alignment with the oversize hole. The oversize hole allows formation of an alignment variation gap between an exterior of the alignment element and an inner wall of the oversize hole. The tool assembly has one or more holding elements coupled to the transfer plate, each with a central through opening in coaxial alignment with the oversize hole.

Abstract: Drill plate assemblies are disclosed in the examples herein. An example method includes positioning an absorbent material between a drill plate and a surface to be drilled; performing a drilling operation on the surface including flowing coolant through the drill; and capturing at least some of coolant in the absorbent material.

Abstract: There is provided a tool assembly for transferring locations and dimensions of a pattern of holes from a first structure to a second structure. The tool assembly has a transfer plate with a transfer plate pattern of transfer plate holes that include a plurality of oversize holes and two transfer plate index holes. The transfer plate pattern is substantially identical to the pattern in the first structure. The tool assembly has one or more alignment elements installed in the plurality of oversize holes. Each alignment element has a through opening in a coaxial alignment with the oversize hole. The oversize hole allows formation of an alignment variation gap between an exterior of the alignment element and an inner wall of the oversize hole. The tool assembly has one or more holding elements coupled to the transfer plate, each with a central through opening in coaxial alignment with the oversize hole.

Abstract: Drill plate assemblies are disclosed in the examples herein. An example method includes positioning an absorbent material between a drill plate and a surface to be drilled; performing a drilling operation on the surface including flowing coolant through the drill; and capturing at least some of coolant in the absorbent material.