WIRING HARNESS DESIGN AND FABRICATION FOR THE L-1011

Abstract A computer-based system for the design and fabrication of aircraft wiring is described. Electronic data processing was used to take advantage of the computer's ability to process and distribute in a timely manner the large volumes of wiring data which are required for a large aircraft such as the Lockheed L-1011 TriStar. Reducing human error was also important, since errors in production data result in extremely costly rework in order to deliver a functioning aircraft. The system has two engineering databases: a wire-list database of point-to-point wiring information and a computer graphics database of system interconnection schematics. The wire list and schematics are compared by computer to ensure error-free engineering data. Two additional databases, one which determines fabrication sequence and another which controls and schedules the release of fabrication documents, complete the system. The wire list and fabrication sequence databases are combined to produce all documents required to fabricate, test and install wiring harnesses.