Abstract:
A rotating internal support for a large hollow structure can include a rigid central truss and two or more annular disks coupled to the truss by support arms. The annular disks can be axially spaced along the longitudinal centerline of the truss, and can be coupled to the support arms by guide rollers that allow the annular disks to rotate about a central axis. The internal support can also include support rods with contact pads that extend axially around the annular disks to contact and support the inner surface of the large hollow structure.
Abstract:
A transportation tool for transporting, for example, a single composite aircraft fuselage section, including a first spindle weldment mounted on a first tower, and a second spindle weldment mounted on a second tower and configured to couple the single composite aircraft fuselage section to the towers. A first gimbal assembly configured to allow the first spindle weldment to move independent of the first tower, and a second gimbal assembly configured to allow the second spindle weldment to move independent of the second tower.