Search Results

Toward smarter manufacturing and materials At the U.K.'s new Advanced Manufacturing Research Center, engineers and innovators have at their disposal some of the world's most advanced design and manufacturing assets for precision engineering. More electric, integrated fuel systems Engine system reliability can be improved by advanced electric architectures, while the reduction of hydraulic components, fuel tubes, and fittings can enhance the maintainability of the engine and minimize pilot workload.

Into the DEAP The Distributed Electrical Aerospace Propulsion project looks toward a future optimized integrated propulsion system that will allow cleaner, quieter, and more efficient performance to be incorporated into a radically innovative airframe that will feature enclosed electrically powered fans. Managing the deluge of data The model-based development (MBD) process has been a key enabler of technical advancement in the transportation industry; however, the MBD process leads to the generation of large volumes of data artifacts and work products. To maintain efficiency while continuously improving the quality of products, it is necessary to be able to manage this data in an efficient manner.

Thermal simulation and testing of expanded metal foils for lightning protection With the implementation of major aircraft structures fabricated from carbon fiber reinforced plastic materials, lightning protection has become a more complicated issue for designers and engineers to solve. Electronics take charge Digital controls are handling more engine control tasks on a wider range of aircraft.

Active safety starts in the pilot's seat Dassault Aviation's next-generation integrated digital avionics systems contribute to enhanced air safety in civil applications.

Managing positioning integrity Thales has established a new reference system to comply with the most demanding RNP-AR navigation procedures. Business jets wait for the uplift A look at how the global executive jet market is fighting back after a hard few years.

Simulation supports aircraft safety From analyzing crashes to hard landings, the industry is evolving in how much it relies on CAE simulation to provide safer aircraft designs. As aircraft systems become more complex, simulation itself is evolving as well.

High hopes or just dreaming? A look at how Asia's aircraft manufacturers are trying to break into new markets to challenge the status quo. Camelina-based biofuel shows advantages in turboprop Researchers within the government of Canada see the need to improve the emissions performance of the Rolls-Royce T56 engine, which despite its age remains a workhorse for its military aircraft fleet.

Low risk, high gain stakes in aerospace design With the aerospace world pulling back from groundbreaking, high-risk aircraft designs, how are PLM and CAE suppliers adapting in providing solutions?

The French resurgence Despite facing great domestic political challenges, resulting from the growing national debt level and a general financial malaise in the Euro-zone countries within the EU, successive French governments have remained highly supportive of their aerospace sector.

Going lean from scratch Embraer applied lean manufacturing concepts during the planning and construction of a new composites assembly line for its Legacy 500.

Filling the space A look at the changing face of manned spaceflight and the commercialization of orbital access. Distribution of power When designing the electrical distribution system for a turboelectric architecture, it is imperative to select technologies that will provide the highest efficiency and stability for the propulsion system.

Simulation helps manage change in aircraft manufacturing Commercial aircraft demand is up even while sequestration and other forces are forcing scale-backs in defense-related programs. From managing complex supply chains to improving scrap rates in casting, digital simulation is proving a valuable aid.

PEFCs to transform UAVs Advancements in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells have resulted in longer endurance missions for smaller UAVs as well as an enabler for electric aircraft that require vertical takeoff and landing capability. Hovering aircraft programs The AW609 tiltrotor and the X3 compound helicopter offer different technology solutions to the challenge of achieving higher speeds and higher quality point-to-point air transport.

Big fans gear up for new battles The big difference in newer commercial airplanes comes where it can't be seen: in the structure, in new materials, in the avionics, and most importantly, in the engines. Integrated Vehicle Health Management The aims of IVHM include improved safety through the use of diagnostics and prognostics to fix faults before they are an issue, as well as improve availability of fleets through better maintenance scheduling.

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.

Head units connect Any delay in terms of schedule or not meeting the specifications or budget can have a huge impact on the viability of a program as well as the companies involved. New software demonstrates companies can actually deliver on what they commit.

Joining metal/composite structures The interference-fit bolted joining of hybrid metal/composite can greatly improve the fatigue life of such joints, according to Chinese researchers.

Gradually going green The number of commercial airplanes globally is expected to double by 2030, but will there be enough fuel to keep them flying? 57 channels and everything's on Radios handle more frequencies as well as visual inputs, forcing developers to employ many design strategies. Surmounting modeling pitfalls A look at software tools that aid in the efficient model-based design of next-generation energy-optimized aircraft. When fuel cells fly Emerging hydrogen and fuel-cell-based technologies are being developed for the future replacement of onboard electrical systems in more-electric or all-electric aircraft.