Augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and automation are just a few of the technologies that will help us win in the air and space game in the future. AI algorithms are assisting in more efficient routing of aircraft, virtual enemies are training pilots in mid-flight, and autonomous wingmen are scouting the skies ahead. Meanwhile, in space, a NASA probe will be using sunlight to travel beyond Earth’s orbit!
Without a doubt, technological advancements are expediting the global aerospace industry growth. It is enhancing and improving aircraft operations. The modern era has advanced fighter jets and world-class aircraft due to advancements, which are tastefully improving human life. Countries have long recognized the importance of the aviation industry in global affairs.
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As a result, major deals in the aerospace industry have been signed in recent years. It is one sector that has made countries both friends and adversaries for a variety of technologies, including:
Zero-Fuel Aircraft
Zero-fuel aircraft, developed by Bertrand Piccard in 2014 and launched by the Solar Impulse Foundation, are gaining traction in both the civil and commercial domains. This aircraft introduces the concept of low fuel consumption, which traditional aircraft are unfamiliar with. This type of aircraft is now widely used in agriculture, aerial photography, 3D mapping, wildlife protection, and remote internet access.
Advanced Space Propulsion Technologies
This new plasma-based rocket propulsion technology, developed by NASA in collaboration with the Department of Energy and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, is known as Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket (VASIMR rocket). It allows for faster space travel, lowers fuel utilization, safeguards astronauts from the harmful effects of radiation during the journey, and assists the international space station in orbit without the need for extra fuel to be brought up from Earth. Also, since it uses hydrogen as fuel, it protects the aircraft from radiation.
Advanced Materials
As the aerospace industry strives for lighter, stronger components in aircraft bodies, fuselages, and engines, new composites and alloys such as titanium, graphite, fiberglass, reinforced epoxy, and ceramics have steadily replaced aluminum. Aircraft that once contained up to 70% aluminum components can now contain as little as 20%.
Aside from being stronger and stiffer than aluminum, the materials are corrosion and chemical resistant, and they retain their properties even in extreme conditions. Airbus also touts the promise of new bio-composites that are low-cost, lightweight, and recyclable. They can be used alone or in conjunction with standard materials such as carbon or glass fiber, and are derived from biomass, biowaste, plants, crops, and microorganisms.
Aircraft Health Monitoring
NASA developed a new technology-driven strategy to monitor aircraft health in response to an increase in aircraft accidents. Landing gear, fuel and lubrication systems, surveillance/flight critical, and flight management systems, as well as robust distributed, avionics/communications, navigation, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, electrical and power systems, fault-tolerant, self-recoverable architectures for flight-critical aircraft applications, are all part of the aircraft’s health management system.
Smart Technologies
Blockchain has been identified as the most emerging technology in the aviation and aerospace sectors, according to a new SITA research study. According to the 2018 SITA research program, 60% of airlines have Blockchain-enabled pilots, with 42% implementing research-based programs by 2021.
Smart automation is being developed by researchers to simplify the complex processes in the aerospace industry. Manufacturers are optimistic about scanning the metal surface with a tablet or smart glass or determining how much torque is required in an aircraft’s structure by integrating the existing system with technologies such as a robotic arm.
Wrapping Up
Change, challenge, and opportunity will accompany new technologies. This will include harnessing the benefits of connectivity and big data to drive predictive maintenance, changes to aircraft technology, the coming revolution in full-electric or hybrid electric power, and other disruptors such as additive manufacturing, as well as the influence of Silicon Valley-style entrepreneurs bringing a new dynamic attitude to the industry through the possibilities of urban air mobility vehicles.