Abstract: A system for fabricating a composite structure includes a ply carrier including a ply support surface configured to support at least one composite ply. The system includes a carrier transfer device configured to convey the ply carrier. The system includes a lamination system configured to selectively apply the at least one composite ply to the ply support surface of the ply carrier. The system includes a transfer system configured to remove the ply carrier from the carrier transfer device and to apply the at least one composite ply to at least a portion of a forming surface of a forming tool. The system includes a forming system configured to form the at least one composite ply over the at least a portion of the forming surface of the forming tool.

Abstract: A system for forming a composite stiffener includes a support surface to support a composite sheet and a sheet-locating device to locate the composite sheet such that a first sheet-portion is supported on the support surface and a second sheet-portion extends beyond the support surface. The system includes a separation device to separate the second sheet-portion from the first sheet-portion to at least partially form a composite charge. The system includes a layup tool including a longitudinal tool-axis and a layup surface configured to receive the composite charge. The layup surface includes a curvature along the longitudinal tool-axis. The system includes a compaction device to compact the composite charge on the layup surface. The system includes a tool-positioning device to position of the layup tool such that a compaction force, applied to the composite charge by the compaction device, is normal to the layup surface.

Abstract: A system for fabricating a composite structure includes a ply carrier including a ply support surface configured to support at least one composite ply. The system includes a carrier transfer device configured to convey the ply carrier. The system includes a lamination system configured to selectively apply the at least one composite ply to the ply support surface of the ply carrier. The system includes a transfer system configured to remove the ply carrier from the carrier transfer device and to apply the at least one composite ply to at least a portion of a forming surface of a forming tool. The system includes a forming system configured to form the at least one composite ply over the at least a portion of the forming surface of the forming tool.