An Innovative, Low Cost, Friction Stir Welded Cargo Handling Solution for the C-17 Globemaster III for Reducing Manufacturing Cost and Logistics Support

摘要

The Boeing Company is developing a variety of systems to meet U.S. Army's vision for the Rapid Deployment Forces. To fulfill this vision, one of the enabling technologies Boeing has developed is a cargo handling system which allows direct airlift delivery of supplies and equipment by the C-17 Globemaster III. The Army goal is to rapidly move ammunition, supplies and equipment. To assist in meeting the goal of supporting rapid deployment and sustainment at austere airfields, Boeing has developed an aircraft adapter pallet system for the Army's latest containerized cargo system called CROP (Container Roll in/roll Out Platform) as well as flatracks, and commercial ISO containers. The aircraft adapter pallet system "Slipper" not only reduces or eliminates reliance on material handling equipment (MHE); it improves the load carrying capability of the C-17 aircraft. Under Air Force funded Metal Affordability Initiative program, Boeing used friction stir welding process to design, build and weld a low cost proof of manufacturing articles using commercial practices. The paper discusses the pallet design, manufacturing including friction stir welding. The paper also discusses baseline and welded materials testing, heat-treatment and corrosion testing.