Automated Aircraft Paint Strip Cell

In April, 1986, the U.S. Air Force selected Ogden ALC (Air Logistics Center) to investigate automated/robotic capability for U.S. Air Force Logistics Aircraft Maintenance Divisions to plastic media blast (PMB) F-4 and F-16 aircraft. This paper discusses the three phases of the contract: *Phase I - Process Selection and Optimization (completed July 1987). Different stripping methods were evaluated before selecting plastic media blast (PMB) as the most viable process. Design configuration mandated incorporation into existing facility. *Phase II -System Fabrication, Test and Validation (estimated completion by April 1989). Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio was awarded contract for design of bench model. Design requirements to include a one time strip clean operation. The U.S. Air Force will review vision system translation by the robot and give final “buy off” of the operation. *Phase III - Installation and Verification (estimated completion date is December 1989). This phase is the final installation of a working unit at Hill AFB, Utah.