In the summer of 2024, a longitudinal milling machining centre was transferred to the Irkutsk Aviation Plant (IAZ) from the Ulyanovsk branch of PJSC “Ilyushin”. This centre is designed for the machining of holes in the keel attachment points on the tail cone section (TCS) and the fin assemblies of the MS-21 aircraft. This transfer is related to a change in production collaboration and enables IAZ to independently perform the final machining of the MC-21 tail cone section.
Previously, the machining of these holes was performed in Ulyanovsk, where the tail assembly was manufactured, and the section was supplied to IAZ with the holes already completed. This change in the production chain has eliminated inefficient logistics associated with transporting the section to Ulyanovsk solely for final machining.
“Three of our assembly-riveters received training in department 316, with specialists from department 334 acting as instructors. Previously, we had not worked with this type of equipment, therefore, to understand precisely how the machining process is carried out, we gained practical experience on secondment in Ulyanovsk, where the machine was previously operated,” said Alexander Fadeev, workshop manager of department 246, to the Irkutsk Aircraft Builder factory newspaper.
This approach allowed us to gain the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical experience operating equipment that had not previously been used at IAZ.
In September, the installation of the machine was completed, and the department began machining holes on trial technology samples. By the time the tail cone section of the next MC-21 set arrived, the preparatory work and trial machining of the samples had been completed. In January, the unit was installed into the station, and the direct (“live”) machining of the holes was carried out.
The technological process of machining one hole comprises a series of sequential operations. Firstly, using a measuring probe, the tool is referenced relative to the TCS installed in the fixture. In the first stage, rough milling is performed using a cutter, machining the diameter from 30 to 32 mm. Next, two rough reamers bring the diameter to 33.9 mm. In the final stage, a finish reamer completes the accurate machining of the hole.
Rough milling of one hole takes approximately 50 minutes, with the remaining operations taking between 30 and 40 minutes. In total, the planned work takes six working shifts. The machining of the first tail cone section has now been completed, and it has been moved to department 255 for further joining with section F5.
“The process is still being refined, and specialists continue to learn the new procedures and technologies. Work during the initial stages is carried out under the supervision and with the assistance of senior engineers and the measurement group from the airframe assembly production for civil aviation, as well as all IAZ departments,” noted staff in department 246.
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