Top Technology Trends in Aerospace & Defense

The aerospace and defense industry is well known for its leading-edge technical accomplishments and ability to introduce innovative breakthroughs in both product development and manufacturing processes.  Companies are working to design the next-generation of aircraft, which traditionally keeps the industry strong through economic cycles.  Several developing trends have the potential to maintain this record of innovation and technological breakthroughs.  ARC covers top technology trends in the Aerospace & Defense industries on an ongoing basis. Please visit Technology Evaluation and Selection Guides page for recent ARC research reports.

• Globalization: The industry has traditionally maintained a multinational support and maintenance infrastructure, and is well equipped to support emerging markets on both the commercial and military sides.
• Alternate Fuels: The industry is looking into alternate fuels to mitigate the impact of fluctuating oil prices. Some European carriers are looking to use bio fuels to move away from dependence on fossil fuels.
• Optimized Use of Turboprops and Jet Engines: Some carriers have begun to reapply turboprops to reduce fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. However, next-generation jet engines will run far more efficiently and require less maintenance, reducing overall operating costs.
• Increased use of Composites and other Advanced Materials: Composites appeal to the aviation industry due to their strength-to-weight ratio, outstanding longevity, and advanced manufacturing capabilities. Composites return savings of over 20 percent for carriers, not only in terms of weight and payload, but also in longer structural life for airframes and reduced long-term maintenance requirements.

ARC works closely with both suppliers and users of technology in the Aerospace and Defense marketplace. Many ARC domains are brought to bear in this industry.  We will assist you with Global market intelligence and advice for topics such as: Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), Product Design & Engineering, Product Data Management (PDM), Supply Chain & Logistics, Manufacturing Process Design & Engineering, Virtual Commissioning, Virtual Simulation & Validation, General Motion Control (GMC), Computer Numerical Control (CNCs), Robotics, Machine Vision Systems, Sensors, Device Networks, and Machine Safety.