Meet the multifaceted reality of engineering in modern aerospace applications.
By Gia Hayes, VP, Aerospace & Defense at TTI.
Embracing advanced technologies such as electric propulsion and autonomous systems. Integrating lightweight materials and aerodynamic efficiencies. Meeting stringent safety regulations and environmental sustainability goals. Adhering to production targets and delivery schedules. Balancing cost-effectiveness.
This is the multifaceted reality of engineering in modern aerospace applications. Add to that the continual need for both enhanced performance and reliability, combined with the complexities of global supply chains, and you have a complicated, dynamic landscape that demands innovation, precision, and forward-thinking solutions. Engineers are tasked with implementing those solutions, while constantly pushing the boundaries
of what is possible.
Going forward
As 2024 continues to bring a post-pandemic rebound for most aerospace and defense sub-verticals, we are seeing both significant challenges and opportunities. Here are several key trends and developments that are currently shaping our industry’s outlook:
Commercial aviation recovery
The commercial aviation sector is experiencing a substantial recovery this year, with increased passenger traffic causing a shift in demand versus supply. As airline demand continues to improve, however, supply chain issues remain a problem.
Because the aircraft production supply chain is highly specialized, switching suppliers quickly in the case of bottlenecks often is not possible. In addition, during the uncertainty of the pandemic, most supply chain partners scaled back significantly, creating a domino effect from which the industry is still recovering. Another factor is a shortage of skilled labor, which contributes to long lead- times for components. Manufacturers and parts suppliers are struggling to keep up with demand, limiting both production of new aircraft and retrofitting of older planes.
Technological advancements Aerospace manufacturers are investing heavily in advanced technology to improve aircraft efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance passenger comfort. Innovations in electric propulsion, sustainable aviation fuels, and composite materials continue to drive research and development efforts.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is being adopted in aerospace to automate manual processes and eliminate human errors. AI-related technologies provide insights into the data by discovering new patterns and relations to aid in various operations such as optimizing routes, asset utilization, and improving fuel efficiency. AI also aids in critical decision-making during autonomous flight operations and assists pilots in both manned and unmanned scenarios, powering high- speed mobility and cost- effective aerial missions.
Military modernization
Governments around the world are continuing to prioritize military modernization programs to enhance defense capabilities. This includes upgrading existing fleets, investing in next-generation aircraft and unmanned systems, and strengthening cybersecurity measures.
This has significant implications for original component manufacturers (OCMs). Aerospace and defense companies face the challenge posed by the disparity between the long life cycles of their products (often 30 years or more) and the shorter life cycles of internal components (sometimes less than five years).
While the overall systems need to provide legacy-parts support for decades, components like semiconductors, electronic boards, and mechanical parts become harder to source over time and may even become obsolete.
When components are unavailable or discontinued, OCMs must redesign electronic systems around new parts, often requiring an entirely new supply chain. This creates problems in inventory management as well as increased costs, which can affect the ability to successfully compete.
Space exploration and satellite technologies
The space sector is enjoying renewed interest and rapid growth. The industry is replete with increased investments in satellite constellations, space tourism, and deep space exploration missions. Private sector companies are seizing on the public’s fascination with space travel and its influence on popular culture. This is driving continued innovation in areas such as satellite communications, Earth observation, and Mars missions.
The future: eVTOL
We are witnessing an exciting time in the transportation industry with the birth of a whole new means of travel in electric Vertical Take-off and Landing (eVTOL) vehicles. Powered by high-capacity batteries, eVTOLs deliver the convenience of helicopter travel without the associated costs.
These aircraft, often referred to as “air taxis,” are part of a new era of aviation known as Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). According to the FAA, these AAM aircraft could be used to transport cargo and passengers, help with firefighting, provide search and rescue operations, and even connect underserved and rural communities.
However, to achieve widespread acceptance, these vehicles must address unique challenges. Number one among those is public confidence in their safety, as determined by the FAA. The agency is tailoring existing rules to the new concept, establishing the certification requirements for the design, production, airworthiness, and operation of eVTOLs. Some certifications could require the FAA to issue special conditions or additional airworthiness criteria, depending on the type of project.
Because many AAM companies play all the roles of designer, manufacturer, and operator, they will be required to obtain multiple certifications.
Electronics at the heart
Electronic systems will play a vital role in the guidance, control, and safety of eVTOLs. Designers will need to demonstrate the long-term robustness and reliability of these systems, which will draw upon technologies developed for the aeronautical, automotive, and even industrial markets.
The latest high-performance batteries provide the ideal power source for eVTOLs, but they depend on sophisticated battery management system (BMS) implementations to ensure they are charged and discharged safely.
A central computing cluster will serve as the “brains” of the vehicle, providing constant monitoring of the onboard systems and the wider environment. These vehicles will employ the latest machine- learning (ML) technologies to make rapid decisions and will be networked with high-performance cables and connectors to ensure low-latency communication.
Despite the sophistication of the electronics at the heart of the eVTOL, it must remain low in weight to improve the operational cost, capability, payload capacity, and fuel efficiency. Components designed for the demands of the aerospace industry will be an ideal solution, especially since they are made to withstand harsh environments, such as shock and vibration.
The value of partnership
Aviation and space exploration continue to evolve, shaping the way we live in and view our world. And each step forward brings a new set of challenges. The key to successfully addressing these inevitable challenges is having the right partner in place—a partner with expertise in strategic sourcing and predictive planning to proactively meet customer needs.
TTI has supported aerospace and defense customers for more than 50 years. Our experienced specialists understand the industry and its regulatory requirements, and we are adept at navigating the market. We’re committed to providing the most extensive inventory of leading-edge components—components that deliver superior levels of reliability and safety— as we work together to push the technological frontiers of the future.