728JET Production Line Begun

Production equipment for the 728JET is being installed in a 65,000-square-foot hangar in Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany.

The work platforms and assembly fixtures are aimed at creating a highly efficient production line for the 70-seat 728JET. At the heart of the production center will be a gantry riveting machine, which automates the manufacturing of large fuselage components. It will create the 728JET's upper and lower half-shells, joining skin panel sub assemblies.

Efficient workflow will be obtained using twin pre- and post- assembly stations on either side of the riveting gantry and a triplicated skin panel assembly station. A transfer device, which moves on rails, will be used to load and unload the riveter.

Critical design review of the 728JET has been completed at the aircraft level and first assembly is scheduled to begin in 2001. Lufthansa, leasing company GECAS and Bavarian Aircraft Leasing have placed a total of 112 firm orders for the 728JET.

By Paul Proctor