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UAV advances soar as market takes off Developers strive to slash weight but gain the ability to gather and move more data. On-wing designs Engine maturation programs ensure reliability for commercial powerplants. Promoting from within After serving a three-year term as Vice President-Automotive, Rich Schaum, Chrysler's former product development chief, becomes the new face of SAE International.

Designs on electronics On-chip memories and new architectures change control functions. Seeing green Environmental and cost benefits are driving the adoption of bio-based and other 'eco' materials. Closing the loop on marine propulsion design Researchers develop tools for rapid prototyping and analysis of distributed safety-critical systems. Promoting from within After serving a three-year term as Vice President-Automotive, Rich Schaum, Chrysler's former product development chief, becomes the new face of SAE International.

Plugging into Detroit Efficient, eco-friendly hybrid concepts, in "conventional" and plug-in forms, headlined January's North American International Auto Show, but a majority of the debuting concept vehicles boasted large-capacity V8, V10, or V12 engines aimed at ultimate performance. Creating the Bin-5 Diesel Progress made in lean-NOx trap technologies helps make engines a viable option for U.S. light-duty diesel market in 2008. Putting the pieces together Product lifecycle management tools and processes help speed automotive product development. Today's challenges, tomorrow's opportunities Engineers' productivity becomes paramount as companies change and evolve their business strategies. Promoting from within After serving a three-year term as Vice President-Automotive, Rich Schaum, Chrysler's former product development chief, becomes the new face of SAE International.

Ford widens diesel getaway As the popularity of the diesel in Europe continues to soar, Ford, in collaboration with PSA, is further expanding its Diesel Center's production in the UK. Phil Lake, Ford of Europe's Chief Engineer, Diesel Engines, gives AEI a tour of the facility and the technology. Consumer electronics solutions Wireless technologies, networking alternatives vie for acceptance as the auto industry scrambles to keep up with consumer demands for infotainment options. California dreaming Forward-thinking West Coast automotive design studios ponder recyclable cars, predetermined vehicle lifespan, and a reduced carbon footprint as part of the third annual Los Angeles Design Challenge. Tradition meets technology Artisan skills are supporting traditional engineering in the creation of complex, high-profile concept cars.

Transforming the cab Digital displays, networks provide more info in less space. What regulators take away, engineers have to put back better A marriage of electronic control and hydraulic power is helping OEMs and end-users maintain traditional diesel efficiency while meeting ever more stringent emissions requirements. Top technologies of 2006 A look back at some of the most significant technological innovations during the past year. Smooth operators New technology allows engineers to create innovative seat and cab suspension designs that no longer just control vibration, but manage vibration.

Paperless planes inch closer to reality Multifunction digital technologies help clean up cockpits. Budgeting for the future Rolls-Royce spends more than $3 million a day-$1.1 billion a year- on research and development. Top technologies of the year A look back at some of the most significant technological innovations in the news during the past year.

2006 Technology in review AEI editors look back at some of the most significant engineering and innovation stories of the past year. A new focus on emissions Cleaning up cold starts, adding precision are some of the strategies being employed by powertrain and controls engineers to further cut exhaust pollutants. Letting the sun shine in Increased modularity and reduced mass and complexity are the focus of covertible-top system engineers. Air conditioning and global warming Europe's legislated phaseout of R-134a, remaining issues with CO2 systems, and new proposals for R134-a replacements give engineers many challenges, hard choices to make, and not much time.

Parisian delights The concept vehicles at September's Paris Motor Show ranged from futuristic, over-the-top dream machines with diesel hybrid power to fuel-efficient small cars with high-end interiors. Software poses hard challenges Autocoding, reuse help automakers produce increasingly more lines of code. The two-wheeler future Japanese manufacturers look to crossovers, hybrids, and alternative-energy concepts to reinvigorate the motorcycle industry. An Aura of refinement Saturn took cues from its European partner when designing a new entrant for the U.S. midsize market. Decongesting Denver The road to safer and more efficient ground transportation in the Mile High City is being paved, in part, via a romance between highway and light rail. Hybrids for commerce Though they represent a fraction of the Japanese hybrid fleet, the four Japanese commercial-vehicle manufacturers offer diesel-electric hybrid trucks and buses that are on the leading edge of the technology.

Making sense of engines Heavy-duty equipment is known for its ruggedness in harsh environments, but vehicles are not neglecting their sensitive side. The world's fastest digger gets closer JCB's Dieselmax goes 350 mph and teaches engineers much about engine capability, extreme testing, and program management. The whole system, and nothing but the system Properly implemented, an electrohydraulic system can add a great deal of automatic control, advanced performance, advanced diagnostics, and remote monitoring to a mobile application. Regenerative hydraulics The use of multiple hydraulic pumps can satisfy the needs of various circuits in off-highway equipment. The gas is greener Biofuels promise to help reduce petroleum cinsumption and CO2 emissions, but much of the potential depends on production and infrastructure investments. Material returns Effective use of materials information is important to engineers in development of parts and components.

Like a rolling home Suppliers are helping automakers engineer vehicles that allow passengers to bring along the comforts of home. Focusing on distraction An explosion of new features, functions poses challenges for safety. Performance goes green With record-high fuel prices and CO2 concerns providing the impetus, automakers are developing more fun-to-drive cars with an eye towards efficiency. GM re-engineers pickips More refined ride, higher-quality interiors, and greater efficiency are some of the highlights of the 2007 models. Jeep takes on tough terrain For 2007, the brand's iconic Wrangler is engineered to be more rugged off-road and more refined on it. Audi updates TT theme The second-generation rendition is bigger, more powerful, and uses a subtle metals mix and match. Vantage: as Aston to the core A common platform strategy is a vital element of the company's design and manufacturing flexibility.

A deeper dive Simulation and testing continue to evolve, giving engineers more capabilities to find and fix errors before aircraft go into production. Europe: The empty cockpit The growing momentum behind the design and manufacture of UAVs and their potential integration into the global environment is bringing outstanding technology challenges and ooprtunities for the aerospace industry. U.S. manufacturing base shifts into high gear. Both military and civilian contractors are ramping up to meet demands of both war and commerce.

Integration helps fuel push for conservation As rising fuel prices and looming environmental regulations bring fuel economy to the fore, hydraulic system developers are pitching in to improve efficiency and help conserve precious resources. Simulating hydraulic valve pressure drop CFD software is being used more and more frequently during the design of off-highway systems and components. 2006 Commercial Vehicle Congress Preview International Truck and Engine executives head the charge for "positive industry change" at SAE's third Congress for the on-and off-highway communities. Position sensing in machine controls As performance requirements for off-highway equipment become more demanding, the need for greater control of motion and power grows as well.

Systems drive safety Engineers are using a holistic approach to design safer vehicles by adding function and integrating multiple subsystems. The gas in greener Biodiesels promise to help reduce petroleum consumption and CO2 emissions, but much of the potential depends on production and infrastructure investment. Good vibrations Instead of excising all noise, vibration, and harshness, engineers are focusing more on making specific sounds and feedback "fit" a vehicle. SAE Commercial Vehicle Congress Preview International Truck and Engine executives head the charge for "positive industry change" at SAE's third Congress for the on- and off-highway communities.

Wrapped in fiber The aerospace industry looks for the future of commercial aviation in a beaker of chemicals. Design, manufacturing learn to share Software tools help teams collaborate, providing constant updates.

Planning for the future The long lifetimes of aircraft pose big challenges for the many engineers who want to adopt the latest in electronic technologies. Getting it right through test flight Flight testing remains an important component in validation and certification of aircraft. More electric aircraft System design trends for the next generation of aircraft point toward more distributed, but fully intergrated, systems.

Seats of power Car users are sitting on more advanced features than ever before, but increasing demands for "comfort" and other considerations have focused industry brainpower on slimmer seat designs, new trim materials, and innovative technology solutions. Big changes for powertrain control Electronics innovations are behind many of the advances in hybrid, diesel, and conventional gasoline engines. Plastic on the outside For many new vehicles, light weight is paramount, and so too is eye-catching design. That's why plastic body panels will become more prevalent. Toyota powers ahead The company's powertrain strategy follows Toyota President Watanabe's dream that a Toyota car be able to cross the American continent with no refueling while cleansing the atmosphere as it travels. The Honda way In the pipeline are a "dedicated hybrid car for family use," a super-clean diesel that meets U.S.

Designing reliable boards The makers of electronic hardware are boosting reliability by reducing the number of components that can fail while improving ruggedization for those circuit boards. Better seen, not heard Reducing noise profiles is a multi-targeted task for engine OEMs, airframers, airport authorities, and regulatory agencies. Farnborough 2006 "Sustainable Aviation" will be a key subject as representatives of the global aerospace industry meet at the Farnborough International Airshow.

Time for reinvention This fall's Convergence event takes a broader focus for a new era. The body-chassis connection Decoupled development and electronic controls are changing the way chassis systems are integrated with the vehicle architecture. Fun and economical? Car makers explore the marriage of performance with efficiency in some of their latest concept vehicles. Testing and engineering services This special edition of Testing & Simulation focuses on the latest technology for vehicle development and validation. Volvo 'bags' unique safety technology The C70 retractable hardtop uses vertically deploying curtain airbags to provide added open-top passenger safety.

Communicating without drivers Autonomous vehiclesrely on data communications. A big plan for small engines The design procesas for Perkins' 400 Series is driven by choice via continuous product improvements, not just by regulations. Bringing field to lab Mahindra & Mahindra cuts testing and evaluation time with new test system and statistical tools. Planning new wheels for the Army The ambitious Future Tactical Truck Systems program aims to leverage commercial sector know-how to make safer, more capable military vehicles.