Method of fabricating aircraft fuselage structure

Abstract

An aircraft fuselage structure is fabricated by the following steps. A plurality of ring-shaped members are first prepared, each member being provided around the outer peripheral surface thereof at positions spaced apart in the circumferential direction thereof with a plurality of recesses. Elongated plate members are provided which have respective convex parts corresponding to the recesses, to form stringers. The ring-shaped members are then arranged at a coaxially spaced-apart paralleled disposition, and thereafter a laminating jig is inserted into the coaxially arranged ring-shaped members with a silicone bag interposed therebetween, the silicone bag having an open opposite end. The ring-shaped members are placed in annular recesses provided in the laminating jig and in correspondingly formed annular recesses provided in the bag. Then stringers are placed on the ring-shaped members with the convexed parts fitted in the recesses of the ring-shaped members, so that a framework of the ring-shaped members and the stringers are formed. The framework is thereafter fitted on a winding jig, and a fiber-reinforced prepreg of tape form is wound around the framework. The entire assembly is subjected to curing and bagging processes. The jigs and bag are removed finally.