Abstract: A movable joining device for connecting structural components of an aircraft, with joining means moveably arranged on a guiding device situated on the outside of the structural components so as to fixedly connect joining edges of the structural components positioned adjacent to each other, wherein the joining means includes a welding unit that can move on the rail-like guiding device, and is equipped with a special so-called bobbin tool as a tool for friction stir welding.

Abstract: A joining apparatus for joining together structural components of an aircraft, includes positioning means for holding the structural components to be joined in a defined desired position, in which the structural components can be fixedly joined together by means of a joining device that can be moved relative to the structural components by way of guiding means, wherein the positioning means encompass a formative frame structure that is detachably secured to the structural components to be connected along the joining edges outside in the edge area, and serves as a guiding means for the joining device movably secured hereupon.