Search Results

Biofuel advances The aerospace industry remains committed to getting off the ground with alternatives to jet fuel.

A paradigm shift in offline programming of robots CAD-based offline programming has the potential to take into account design changes to a certain extent, avoiding time-consuming and thus expensive reprogramming after an engineering design change.

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?

Designing the optimal airframe Integration of simulation software tools is the key, from aerodynamic CAE to structural analysis and optimization.

The big boys go for plastic While it is true that the latest developments in advanced alloy manufacturing techniques can deliver structures and components that meet all the product requirements that aerospace primes need for new aircraft, there can be no escaping the fact that there is now an unstoppable momentum building up for the plastic airplane.

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.

Putting CAE to work for non-experts CAE suppliers respond to the need to do more with less in a number of ways, including guided work flows and role-specific interfaces.

Propulsion systems enabling private space flight While some companies are creating high altitude air and ground launch vehicles for taking private individuals into space, companies such as XCOR Aerospace and Armadillo Aerospace are addressing other market needs in the private space flight industry.

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.

UAVs shrink as missions, and emerging technologies, grow Remotely piloted air vehicles are getting smaller in size as technology permits previously unattainable performance from smaller packages.

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.

Eco-efficient materials for bluer skies Airbus researchers discuss material options to fulfill current and potential environmental requirements over a product's in-service life.

An icy reception Next-generation propulsion systems for next-generation aircraft still have to address an (ice) age old problem.

Digital aerospace gets dynamic Aerospace design is advancing from the static to the dynamic as PLM and simulation tools enable systems architects to design validated systems earlier in the process. Internet connectivity goes worldwide Coverage permitting Web access is growing and getting faster.

Up in arms over robots As one-armed robots improve in accuracy, gradually expect to see more of them as the pressure grows in aerospace to augment manual labor.

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.

Bright prognosis for IVHM Partnerships, web tools help integrated vehicle health monitoring extend its reach.

Material matters While new airplane designs now entering service will use more carbon-fiber composites than ever, it is no time to count out aluminum, as promising new versions of alloys such as aluminum-lithium gain ground.

Aerospace, metrology, and data- a growing web of connection Developing metrology programs efficiently in aerospace development using CAD models and simulation means the industry needs to adapt to new challenges.

Machine tools meet new materials If you're in the business of making machine tools for aerospace applications, you're probably working on improvements in cutting tough metals and composites.