The production requirements for the new CVN 21st Century aircraft carrier required a drilling system to be positioned under the 36” (914mm) thick bulkhead to perform vertical drilling operations and achieve a range in bore diameters from 2” thru 10” (50.8-254mm) in diameter. A 0.007” inch of wander per inch of bulkhead depth or a loss of perpendicularity not greater than 0.4 degrees was specified.
Wachs Solution:
A maneuverable, self driven rigid two axis machining platform outfitted with a high tolerance pendent controlled boring module was designed and built. The drilling machine weighed over 16 tons and accomplished the 2” thru 10” bore diameters in less than 2 hours.
Specifications:
Drive Type: Hydraulic
Mounting Method: OD Mount
Warranty: Factory Acceptance Test