Patent ID: 7047614

Claim:
An aircraft assembly process for assembling at least one aircraft component, said process comprising the steps of: a) calculating a plurality of predetermined positions and corresponding orientations in three-dimensional space at which at least one aircraft component is to be supported; b) designing a fixture frame configured to provide support for the at least one aircraft component at predetermined locations of the frame associated with said predetermined positions; c) constructing the fixture frame by selecting elongate members having predetermined lengths and connecting the elongate members together by releasable fastening means; d) securing a plurality of pick-up devices to said frame at said predetermined locations, each said pick-up device including a receiving element; e) adjusting each receiving element with respect to three orthogonal axes to align the receiving element with a respective predetermined position and orientation; f) mounting said at least one aircraft component on the fixture frame and pick-up devices; and g) performing an assembly operation on said at least one aircraft component.