Method and system for fabricating, equipping and outfitting an aircraft fuselage

Abstract

A fuselage is substantially simultaneously fabricated, equipped and outfitted in an assembly area including adjacent riveting, equipping and outfitting zones. The riveting zone includes an external riveting apparatus working from the outside of the aircraft fuselage, and an internal riveting apparatus working from the inside of the fuselage to fabricate and join a first fuselage section to an initial structure. The first fuselage section is moved from the riveting zone into an equipping zone, wherein equipment, such as pipes, ducts, hoses, pumps, blowers and structural components and fittings of the aircraft, is installed in the first fuselage section, while simultaneously a second fuselage section is being rivet-joined onto the first fuselage section in the riveting zone. The second fuselage section is moved from the riveting zone into the equipping zone, and the first fuselage section is moved from the equipping zone into the outfitting zone. Equipment is installed in the second fuselage section in the equipping zone, while outfitting components such as electrical cable bundles, insulation blankets, wall paneling, floors, furnishings, and cabin fittings are installed in the first fuselage section in the outfitting zone. Next, the fuselage being formed is shifted so that the second fuselage section moves from the equipping zone into the outfitting zone, while a third fuselage section is joined onto the second fuselage section in the riveting zone.