Saab AB

About: Saab AB is a company organization based out in Thun, Switzerland. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Signal & Antenna (radio). The organization has 862 authors who have published 928 publications receiving 8807 citations. The organization is also known as: Saab AB & Svenska Aeroplan AB.

Automated Flexible Tooling for Wing Box Assembly: Hexapod Development Study

Abstract: The ability to adapt to rapidly evolving market demands continues to be the one of the key challenges in the automation of assembly processes in the aerospace industry. To meet this challenge, industry and academia have made efforts to automate flexible fixturing. LOCOMACHS (Low Cost Manufacturing and Assembly of Composite and Hybrid Structures) - a European Union funded project with 31 partners - aims to address various aspects of aero-structure assembly with a special attention directed to the development of a new build philosophy along with relevant enabling technologies. This paper aims to present the results on the developed wing box build philosophy and the integration of automated flexible tooling solutions into the assembly process. The developed solution constitutes the use of synchronized hexapods for the assembly of front spar to upper cover whereas another hexapod was developed to install a rib by using of a force feedback sensor. Both hexapod applications have undergone parametrized mechanical design to provide adaptability to various applications. Furthermore, synchronous control of multiple hexapods has been developed to manipulate and hold the front spar in position and withstand the drilling forces applied by an external automated drilling system during the assembly of cover to spar. Finally, discrete state assembly system utilizing force and torque feedback has been developed to perform the assembly of a rib in order to demonstrate the intelligence capability of hexapods.

Automatic tape laying apparatus and method

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a contoured composite article. A separation distance of dividing elements of a dividing unit configured to divide a tape comprising fiber is adjusted. The tape is fed through the dividing unit to divide the tape into a plurality of inter-connected or separate, substantially longitudinal strips. The tape is laid onto a surface with an automatic tape laying apparatus.

Cassette arranged for accommodating a pay load of pyrophoric material

Abstract: A cassette designed for accommodating a payload. The cassette is exposed to an air flow when dispensed from a vehicle in motion. The cassette includes a base portion and a peripheral supporting portion connected to each other. The base portion and the peripheral supporting portion form a space for the accommodation of the payload. An opening is arranged in the cassette opposite the base portion. Through the opening the pay load can exit. The base portion includes at least one orifice through which the air flow will flow pressing against and separating the payload from the cassette when dispensed from the vehicle.

A Teamwork Model for Fighter Pilots

Abstract: Fighter pilots depend on collaboration and teamwork to perform successful air missions. However, such collaboration is challenging due to limitations in communication and the amount of data that can be shared between aircraft. In order to design future support systems for fighter pilots, this paper aims at characterizing how pilots collaborate while performing real-world missions. Our starting point is the “Big Five” model for effective teamwork, put forth by Salas et al. [1]. Fighter pilots were interviewed about their teamwork, and how they prepare and perform missions in teams. The results from the interviews were used to describe how pilots collaborate in teams, and to suggest relationships between the teamwork elements of the “Big Five” model for fighter pilots performing missions. The results presented in this paper are intended to inform designers and developers of cockpit displays, data links and decision support systems for fighter aircraft.