J. E. Barnes, R. Olliffe, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, Marietta, GA; J. McMichael, Alcoa Technical Center, Alcoa Center, PA
Summary: The main objective of the Advanced Aluminum Aerostructure Initiative (A3I) program is to achieve significant cost reductions in aerospace components through an integrated team of the material producer and OEM. Alcoa and Lockheed Martin Aerospace are teamed in A3I to optimize incumbent designs of the Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules tactical airlifter. After a comprehensive part selection study, the center wing bulkhead was chosen based on cost savings and potential technology advancements. The bulkhead was fabricated and tested replacing fasteners with FSW. This presentation will present some of the analysis but with heavy emphasis on the test results of the FSW.
