The changes target production of the fighter’s Communications, Navigation and Identification modules, which form part of its integrated avionics system. Northrop Grumman said the tools improve manufacturing speed, precision and repeatability.
“We recently installed a co-bot that assists technicians to precisely install bolts to attach the front housing area of the Communications, Navigation and Identification (CNI) module,” said Lavell Catlin, manufacturing manager for the CNI production line. “This system cuts what used to take hours to complete, down to only a few minutes.”
The robot works alongside technicians rather than performing the assembly process independently. “Additionally, we’ve been able to shift a couple of our employees onto different key efforts, which improve the speed and performance of our overall production process,” Catlin said.
AI-based quality control tools examine completed modules in detail and flag potential issues before shipment. Northrop Grumman said it is extending these improvements to other parts of the CNI production line.
“Our AI-based integration of quality control systems has greatly helped identify even the smallest issue in completed modules to ensure we’re delivering top-quality products every time,” Catlin said. The company described the inspections as an additional check on the reliability of systems delivered to U.S. and allied forces.
The avionics work accompanies automated structural manufacturing at Northrop Grumman’s Integrated Assembly Line in Palmdale, California. That facility uses automation, robotics and mixed reality tools to produce one F-35 center fuselage every 30 hours.
The center fuselage is the aircraft’s largest stealth-critical structural assembly. Northrop Grumman also uses automated composite manufacturing equipment to produce components including wing skins and nacelles for all three F-35 variants.
Northrop Grumman supports development, production and sustainment on the Lockheed Martin-led F-35 program. Its responsibilities include the center fuselage, radar and communications systems, low-observable technology and operational support for U.S. and allied fleets.
