The aerospace industry is in a constant state of change, with new technologies constantly being developed that have the potential to revolutionize the world. While many of these advancements are still in their early stages, their impact may not be seen for several decades.
Today, there are several noteworthy developments that demand our focus, as they have the potential to revolutionize the industry in the next ten years. Neglecting these advancements may result in falling behind our rivals and being compelled to catch up with the new industry norms. Therefore, we will briefly examine the evolution of aerospace technology, the key players in the industry currently, and analyze the current trends that are expected to impact the industry in the future.
The advancement of technology has had a significant impact on our modes of communication and social interactions, resulting in a change in our social patterns.
Understanding Aerospace Technology
The term “aerospace technology” encompasses the various techniques, systems, and equipment utilized in the practical implementation of the aerospace sector. In a broader sense, it encompasses the technological advancements that enable the construction of spacecraft and aircraft. This includes innovations such as the pressurized cabin, which enabled aircraft to reach greater altitudes, and improvements in jet engine fuel efficiency.
1. Systems for Independent Flight
The use of autonomous ground vehicles is increasingly becoming a trend in the automotive industry and has gained popularity. This technology has also been adopted in drones and is expected to expand into the aerospace industry. While it still has a long way to go, there is already significant investment in autonomous flight systems by various groups. (Source: https://aero.engin.umich.edu/2020/12/10/the-future-of-autonomous-aircraft/)
In the near future, the possibility of single-pilot commercial aircraft is likely to increase as automation takes on a larger role in various tasks. Nonetheless, it may take a considerable amount of time before this technology is advanced enough for fully automated aircraft to be introduced. Nevertheless, it is possible that during our lifetimes, we may witness passenger aircraft without pilots.
2. The Process of Additive Manufacturing
Additive manufacturing, also referred to as 3D printing, is gaining popularity in the aerospace industry due to its efficiency. This method allows companies to create components using less material than traditional methods, making it a preferred manufacturing solution. As 3D printing technology advances (Source: https://commons.erau.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1708&context=ijaaa), it is now possible to produce complex geometries using this approach. Additionally, the components produced through this method have consistently proven to be both durable and lightweight. This is especially valuable in the aerospace industry where reliable and lightweight components are crucial for improved performance, including speed and fuel consumption.
3. Hypersonic Travel
The historic event of breaking the sound barrier by an aircraft took place in 1947. Since then, companies have invested large sums of money into the development and manufacturing of supersonic planes. In August of 2022, American Airlines announced their plans to purchase new supersonic airliners from Boom Supersonic and put them into commercial use by 2029. This would mark the first time in nearly two decades that such passenger flights would be seen in the sky. However, the success of this deal is dependent on the passing of safety standards and the flight-testing of the new aircraft. If this becomes a common practice for commercial airlines in the future, manufacturers will need to meet the demand for strong and lightweight materials. With our expertise, AST is prepared to design and provide the necessary components to fulfill this demand.
4. AI
The term AI has become a popular topic in recent years, with almost every sector utilizing this futuristic technology in various ways. For example, marketing companies use predictive analytics while department stores rely on machine learning to monitor their inventory. The aerospace industry is also taking advantage of AI’s remarkable computational abilities, allowing it to efficiently handle large quantities of data and improve material analysis and supply chain management.
Through the automation of these monotonous tasks, artificial intelligence (AI) accelerates the rate at which aerospace researchers can create various forms of technology. This rapid development of technology will require aerospace companies to seek out businesses that offer efficient and adaptable manufacturing methods in order to keep up with demand.
5. The Concept of IoT
One emerging trend in the aerospace industry, particularly in maintenance and repair, is the utilization of IoT technology (https://volansys.com/blog/designing-cost-effective-aerospace-solutions-with-iot/). This technology is being implemented to enable a proactive approach to maintaining air and spacecraft by continuously monitoring their components. By analyzing this data, companies can identify potential breaks and failures of parts before they occur. This data can also be used to proactively address any repair needs before a part failure happens. Additionally, the continuous data collection and analysis can lead to the development of improved components.
In the future, this will result in advancements in aerospace parts, which will necessitate the use of novel production methods. AST’s on-site engineering team is equipped to handle this situation through swift development and delivery.
6. Novel Materials
The aerospace industry is always searching for more lightweight and durable materials for air and spacecraft. It is expected that new and sophisticated materials will continue to be evaluated and incorporated on an annual basis. An illustration of this is graphene, a carbon-based substance that is only one atom thick and is utilized in low-weight, high-capacity batteries.
With the emergence of new and innovative materials, the manufacturing industry is adjusting to integrate them into their processes.
The use of electric propulsion is gradually becoming more prevalent in the world. While this is a known trend in the automotive field, it is also applicable to the aerospace sector. Apart from providing a noiseless and environmentally-friendly mode of transport, this shift comes with cost-reduction benefits. Consequently, electric propulsion has the potential to expand the scope of the aerospace industry. As of now, there are around 215 aircraft that are being developed with electric propulsion technology, as stated in a report by Roland Berger (https://www.rolandberger.com/en/Insights/Publications/Electric-propulsion-is-finally-on-the-map.html).