HAWKER BEECHCRAFT SELECTS ADVANCED INTEGRATION TECHNOLOGY FOR ASSEMBLY OF NEW HAWKER 4000
Scalable Assembly Tool and Circumferential Drillers Designed for Greater Production Rate

PLANO, TX, - Feb. 4, 2009 Advanced Integration Technology (AIT), a leading industrial automation company delivering fully integrated automation and drilling systems to the aerospace industry, was selected by Hawker Beechcraft to provide the AIT Mate Tool and Flex Track circumferential drillers to assemble their new Hawker 4000 aircraft. This super mid-size business jet is the largest aircraft in the Hawker family and features an all-composite fuselage, which includes graphite/epoxy laminated material and honeycomb composites. The Hawker 4000 fuselage is built in three large sections and assembled in its manufacturing facility in Wichita, Kansas.

Bringing substantial experience with automated alignment and assembly systems as well as composite structures, AIT is supplying its Mate Assembly Tool to Hawker Beechcraft at its facility. The tool comprises an automated laser-alignment system with eight positioners to precisely position the fuselage components for final assembly. To begin the fastening process, AIT is providing two Flex Track circumferential drilling systems, which enable drilling around the two joints of the fuselage, with a calibration stand that allows complete access to the aircraft. Also included as part of the tooling are platforms for access to fuselage (one fixed, one moveable), as well as an empennage lifting fixture and external pressure rings for composite curing operation.

“We are excited to deliver our automated systems to perform final assembly of the new Hawker 4000,” said AIT President Ed Chalupa. “Our scalable equipment, which is in use with larger aircraft around the world, is capable of speeding the assembly process for greater production cycles.”

About AIT

AIT is a leading industrial automation company delivering fully integrated plant floor systems to the aerospace industry. We design, engineer, manufacture, and install machines and systems for the automated assembly of Aerospace structures, including fuselage, wings, and empennage. Relying on the strength of our diverse team of engineering professionals, AIT has a leading position as the predominant integrator and prime contractor to the world’s foremost aerospace companies, with hundreds of systems installed worldwide.

Founded in 1992, AIT is a privately held company. Learn more at www.aint.com.