Eli5 Why there are so many rivets on fighter jets and why not use welding instead?

Question

Eli5 Why there are so many rivets on fighter jets and why not use welding instead?

In: 3

Answer 1

Many reasons:

First, Aircraft frame’s metal aren’t exactly sturdy, making the strength provided by weld kind of useless, Aluminum welding, when done right, is very tricky, its not like working with iron or steel.

Second, unlike road vehicles, aircraft are prone to damage, a single debris hit can tear out massive metal skin patches. having rivets lets you replace those patches with “relative” ease.

Third, rivet are MUCH easier to inspect than welding, especially for fighter jets where you need to turn over and rearm in very short time.

Also, rivet can withstand vibration better.

Then theres the cost and maintainer aspect, not only do you need to keep a welding tool but also train the techs to be proficient in wielding, where as rivet is… pretty straight forward.