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STOVL propulsion-onward and upward Rolls-Royce's unique Pegasus engine has made possible a generation of vertical-landing military aircraft. Testing solutions This special section highlights some of the latest equipment used by engineers to validate new technologies.

Controlling UAVs BAE Systems and The Math Works work together on UAV flight software using embedded code generation and a high-integrity RTOS. Supporting aircraft evolutions Testing validates the technology, then the technology changes again. Time equals money A standard process for software cost estimation developed at Lockheed Martin streamlined the company's proposals for military projects.

Full throttle for engine solutions Powering aircraft from Mach 2 fighters to tiny hovering UAVs, military engine technology is now operating on a very broad front. Design and production flexibility together with reduced in-service costs are priorities. To the breaking point Test engineers use new rigs and data-acquisition equipment on the latest generation of pneumatics, engines, and airframes. PCs move into the cockpit Pilot training is getting a bit less expensive with the introduction of more portable flight simulations.

Supporting nest-gen propulsion The need for advanced computational and communication systems on board military aircraft make fuel cells an attractive propulsion alternative, and ample access to hydrogen a necessity. Aerospace industry seeks material returns Better use of materials data can pay off for aerospace designers. Transatlantic testing program for the F-35 Europe gets its most comprehensive-ever military airframe test facility.

Looking to new aircraft configurations Researchers at Cranfield University's College of Aeronautics discuss the needs and benefits of studying different aircraft configurations such as the blended-wing body. Leading edge deicing Shape memory alloys, which can be trained to generate a compressive strain upon application of an electric current, show promise for deicing applications.

3-D flight path display Rockwell Collins, Inc. has developed an advanced Flight Management System that features a 3-dimensional flight path display, which provides lateral, vertical, and performance predicted flight plan information. Reducing brake squeal Engineers at BFGoodrich Aerospace focus on enhancing brake rod bending-mode damping. FMS vertical profile Smiths Industries investigates a method for providing a 3-D graphical representation of the flight management system (FMS) vertical profile. Building a family Fairchild Dornier takes the family approach to developing its various regional jet aircraft.

From motorsports to aerospace Pi Research brings its motorsports digital data-acquisition technology to the aerospace industry. New testing solutions Aerospace Engineering editors review the latest testing products, equipment, and technologies from the idustry's suppliers. The world of business jet technology "Aerospace Engineering" provides an overview of new business jets and the technological innovations that make them fly in the first installment of a two part series. Dassault adds another Falcon The Falcon 7X featurs a host of new technologies, including an advanced wing design, making it Dassault's next-generation business jet. Eclipse makes business jets affordable New manufacturing techniques and high-volume approaches are enabling Eclipse to bring an affordable aircraft to the business jet market. Cessna establishes its Sovereignty The company finalizes development of the Sovereign and prepares it for FAA certification, which is expected late this year.

The dawn of the jet age: the first 10 years One of the ironies of aviation history is that the most obvious potential power source for a fixed-wing aircraft was barely considered by the early pioneers. Airflow simulation for winglets Embraer engineers used CFD to visualize flow patterns around wings for a design retrofit. Aircraft-engine-mounting analysis Engineers from Honeywell adapted a rapid analysis approach to develop and validate a complex propulsion system. Reshaping F-16 production Following its contract with the Joint Strike Fighter program, Lockheed Martin is reconfiguring its F-16 assembly line in preparation for long-term JSF production starting later this year.

Materials become design, design becoems function Once things you could hold in your hand, materials have become more design ideas than entities, and the designs themselves are transforming into operational activity. The next steps in flight A look at sero engine and assembly developments as commercial airframe and engine manufacturers begin the biggest battle of all-for next-generation short-haul jet aircraft sales. NextGen Today and tomorrow The FAA has reached a major milestone on the Next Generation Air Transportation System initiative to modernize America's National Airspace System. Stacking the material deck for the 787 Combinations such as composites and titanium being used in future aircraft programs can be very challenging when drilling holes during manufacturing and assembly operations.

Hypersonic possibilities When it comes to reviving high-speed air travel, it all comes down to propulsion, propulsion, propulsion. Shrinking electronics help fuel rising usage Integration helps UAVs carry more sensors and send data faster, making unmanned aircraft more valuable. A greener flight path 'Eco-efficient Innovation Leading the Future of Aviation' is the theme of SAE's 2011 AeroTech conference to be held OCt. 18-21 in Toulouse, France. Manufacturing advanced materials A look at some of the challenges of additive layer manufacturing, as well as the advantages it brings to the aerospace industry.

Booking flights on biofuel The aviation industry is now deploying biofuels on commercial flights after years of demonstration test flights, but high costs will keep bookings few and far between for a few more years. Beating brownout A look at a new airborne landing aid that provides safe-flight capabilities for front-line helicopter crews in degraded visual environments. Making battlefield targets disappear The use of 'smart' special materials has the potential to radically alter the way military platforms are defended, and used.

Avionics go to war Advanced helmet sight systems are being designed to help the situational awareness of those pilots who actually still fly aircraft, while also being seamlessly integrated with the aircraft itself. Model military engine behavior While the concept of a variable cycle engine is not new, recent advances in engine architecture technology suggest that adding a second bypass stream to a traditional turbofan can provide significant benefits. Alternative seals for alternative fuels When considering seal compatibility an aircraft from traditional jet fuel to a synthetic fuel presents an interesting technical challenge that has both financial and practical considerations, especially for aircraft that are already in service.

Bright outlook for glass cockpits Cockpits are adopting larger screens and touch input, using modularity to ease upgrades. Composites give copters a lift Design, fabrication, and analysis of a tail rotor blade made of composite laminated materials for a heavy transport helicopter. Taming overruns with simulation For aerospace projects, cost overruns and program delays start in the concept and proposal stage. How could using today's advanced CAE simulations earlier reduce that risk? Going modular with airborne radar Innovative approaches to solving the affordability challenge posed by too many specialist airborne surveillance systems. Efficient & effective leadership Frank O. Klegon, a 30-year SAE member and former product development VP at Chrysler, brings 'customer first' approach to term as SAE International's chief elective officer.

New blades turning Industry is in the midst of new initiatives to develop lighter, stronger aero engine fan blades. ATM revolution-on the way at last A look at one of the biggest issues facing the air transport sector: integrating air traffic management policies and solutions. A new positioning system for aircraft structural assembly The EcoPositioner is a modular and reconfigurable positioning technology that takes into consideration the positioning task as well as operational conditions and environmental influences.

Everything's looking up for aircraft with Internet connections Satellites will make global connectivity possible. Composite bonds put to the test The application of adhesive bonding as a joining technology for CFRP aircraft structures is essential for the realization of novel lightweight design concepts. Aerospace leads in additive manufacturing The unique advantages of making metal parts from powder-bed additive manufacturing are looking attractive to engine manufacturers. Europe's aerospace sector at a crossroads Europe is facing a massive black hole in its future defense procurement portfolio. What will replace today's fighters and trainers when the present order backlogs have been produced?

Advanced aluminum solutions for next-gen aerospace structures Airline competitiveness and the demand for improved aircraft performance and affordability (acquisition and operational) are driving advancements in technologies that can enable these improvements. 2050 vision Airbus provides a far-ranging, thought-provoking, reach-out toward some of the changes the commercial aerospace industry might expect to see by 2050.

Let's get digital Aviation and defense companies are turning to software tools as a way to create systems and components faster, cheaper, and more efficiently than ever before. Global collaboration is in the air From national to international to global, aerospace programs have become ever more geographically interlinked. Whether military or civil, the need for transworld technology collaboration and partnership is rising to new heights. Creating, customizing aircraft interiors Aircraft designers who have made the transition to digital design tools are expanding their use as the tools extend their capabilities.

Teaming up for quality Suppliers, customers, and industry groups all work together in drive to reduce problems. Next-gen nav/comm Advanced satellite capabilities revolutionize navigation, comminications, and surveillance. Composites come clean New scienceand processes are applied to next-generation materials.