Saab and Denel in A400M collaboration

Saab and Denel Aviation is extending their collaboration. Both companies are now working together with one of Denel’s work packages for the A400M.

Part of the production is carried out at Saab Aerostructures in Sweden and a development team from Denel has recently moved there, in order to be close to the production.

The work package consists of design and manufacture of Wing Fuselage Fairing, WFF for the A400M. The work package consists of about 90 composite panels, where Saab is to deliver two thirds. Operators from Denel have been working at Saab since the autumn last year to start the production, together with co-workers from Saab. Saab is helping to industrialise and will produce the first batches of panels, which will later be transferred back to Denel in South Africa. Denel will still have full responsibility for the design.

“This is the first test of the collaboration between Denel and Saab. Both partners have a positive attitude to the collaboration and we exchange both experiences and knowledge,” explains Ulf Anderini, Project Manager Fairing Panels at Saab Aerostructures.

Before the turn of the year it was decided that Saab should have responsibility for the manufacture of complete panels. In addition to the manufacture of the bonded composite panels, Saab will also be responsible for the assembly where brackets, seals and doors are assembled on to equipped panels.

The development team from Denel that is on site at Saab is producing the documentation for the items that are manufactured at Saab. The development team consist of Denel co-workers and consultants hired by Denel. The first co-workers were on site in early January this year and the group is now complete with 24 members.

The development team is expected to remain on site at Saab until the end of the third quarter. Approximately 200 drawings will be produced for those parts that Saab among others will manufacture. The first deliveries will start during the second quarter this year.

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