The machining of aircraft structural parts is a kind of typical discrete manufacturing

which is characterized with mixture of research and production

small batch and large flexibility. Thus

it is quite difficult to realize automation for the manufacturing process of aircraft structural parts. This paper proposes a comprehensive solution to automation of aircraft structural parts manufacturing that includes logistics

storage

loading and unloading. In this solution

the layout of the equipment is discussed and the quantity of the logistics equipment (AGV

RGV) is analyzed. Besides

a simulation example is shown to analyze the average vacancy rate of a machine when the RGV quantity and delivery time in a manufacturing system is considered

which provides important directions for the construction of the aircraft structural parts oriented flexible production system.