INRTU Design and Technology Bureau Develops Drilling Machine for Domestic Aircraft Industry

INRTU's Design and Technology Bureau (the DTB) has developed a prototype of a high-precision auto feed drilling machine (AFDM). The tool is designed for processing multi-layer metal products (mixed packages) in aircraft manufacturing companies. The engineering solution is the result of the DTB's work within the i.DIT strategic project (Priority 2030 Program).

The main design solutions were developed by Semyon Yastrebov, 4th year student, research laboratory assistant at the DTB. The whole team of the bureau worked on the design tasks. Colleagues from other departments of the School of Aircraft Construction, Mechanical Engineering and Transport were involved in the production of the machine.

According to Pavel Grishkevich, acting head of the DTB, the machine with separate drill feed and drill rotation is new to the Russian market. The import substitution should result in increase of production of such machines.

"The tool is a high-tech drilling machine that can instantly make a hole of the required diameter and quality in a package of different materials. There is a noticeable difference from typical processes - specialists have to drill holes gradually, starting with smaller diameters, in several passes with a change of drilling tools. We aim to speed up the work of our production colleagues without any loss in quality.

By now, INRTU's DTB has produced the mechanical part of the prototype from aluminum alloy. We yet need to install control and monitoring equipment, conduct tests, and confirm that the design meets all requirements," says Pavel Grishkevich.

When the development is commercialized, the AFDM warranty support will be provided. Aircraft manufacturers will be able to replenish their equipment fleet with domestic samples with technical support and modification for specific and private production needs. It is expected that the customer of INRTU drilling machines will be the Irkutsk Aviation Plant, a Yakovlev Corporation branch.

Photos by Arseny Chekmaryov