Global Aeronautica 787 Circumferential Drilling Machine
Charleston, SC

The AIT circumferential drilling machine was manufactured for Global Aeronautica to drill the upper fuselage of the 787 sections.

Project Features

• Tooling designed to drill around the airplane circumference
• Simultaneous drilling within 4 quadrants
  
• Drilling and countersinking CFRP for Ø1/4” & Ø5/16” holes up to 1” stack (approx 3900 holes)
• Coolant and chip removal using a vacuum system
• Operator and drilling access to the entire circumference
• Lifting mechanism for raising the satellite antenna components and tools
  

Tracks of AIT's circ driller

 
Close-up view of AIT circ driller