Abstract: The invention relates to machine-building. More specifically, it pertains to shell fabrication of airframe parts, which are used in aerospace equipment operating under compound stress. The invention also covers methods and apparatus for the fabrication of the shell structures.The invention aims to improve wall rigidity and strength.A tubular pressure vessel in the form of a composite cylindrical body incorporates a lattice-type frame 1 and external protective cover 2; the grid frame is made by winding a layered system 3 of helical 4, longitudinal 5, girth 6, and oblique transition strips 14 linking the girth strips 6; the pattern forms interleaved stiffening ribs 8, 9, 10, 15. The winding is applied to the mandrel, the core 17 is covered with thermostabilized flexible plates 19 with a web of grooves 23, 24, 25, 26 for imbedding a matching pattern of strips 6,4,5, and 14.

Abstract: A machine for winding shells with convex ends on mandrels using thread such as resin-impregnated fibreglass threads comprises a mechanism for rotating the mandrel around its longitudinal axis, a thread guide installed on a traverse carriage located on a horizontal guide, and a mechanism for moving the carriage over the horizontal guide. The thread guide is mounted on the carriage with a provision for moving relative to it in the direction perpendicular to the mandrel axis. The horizontal guide is arranged parallel to the mandrel axis. The mechanism for moving the carriage along the horizontal guide includes of an endless flexible linkage whose position is space is set by master guide; the shape of these master guides in the rectangular system of coordinates x, y depends on the relation: ##EQU1## The flexible linkage is connected with the mandrel-rotating mechanism and with the traverse on which the thread guide is mounted.