A350 XWB harness installation to benefit from 3-D technology

Airbus is testing an innovative solution for A350 XWB electrical harness installation that uses full three-dimensional technology, which simplifies the process and improves overall design quality.

Months of tests have demonstrated the superiority of the new technology over the previous 2-D system. By harmonising the harness installation process from end to end, this new method will reduce costs and lead time, as well as support the A350 XWB industrial ramp-up.

Physical evaluations were recently held in France and Germany to validate the efficiency and precision of the new full 3-D toolset, which was created using CATIA, A350 virtual product management and DELMIA software tools. The tests involved actual installation of harnesses on physical mock-ups in Hamburg and Toulouse, according to work instructions produced using the toolset.

“We have started the verification and validation process early, and these real, physical tests have been encouraging,” engineering project leader Sebastien Lerat said. “What we are developing will be used everywhere across Airbus and the extended enterprise.”

A multifunctional project team collaborated on the 3-D toolset, including Airbus engineering and manufacturing personnel and representatives from risk-sharing partners.