全球航空與國防相關技術最新動向

Abstract

Composites and Carbon Nanotubes Emerging as Ideal Materials for Designing Aircraft

Composites are gaining in prominence as the material of choice in the aerospace industry, especially since they are strong and resistant to high temperatures. These materials are infinitely flexible, lightweight, and proving to be the right fit for the aerodynamic design of the aircraft. One of the strongest markets for composite parts such as tailcones or smaller wing flap fairings is in retrofitting heavier steel and aluminum parts in civilian and military aircraft. In the near future, carbon nanotubes that offer greater strength and durability are expected to emerge as a popular choice for aircraft design. Small amounts of carbon nanotubes added to polymers can produce almost ten times stronger and stiffer composites. Once commercialized, these carbon nanotubes are likely to find their way into an A380 or a 747 by 2020.

This Technical Insights research evaluates the latest and upcoming trends in aerospace technologies pertaining to materials used for aircraft parts, design, and display and communication systems. In addition to discussing the various technology drivers and restraints, the study covers research and development efforts at various universities, leading companies, and other research institutions across the globe. Participants can identify potential collaborators, stay ahead of the competition, and remain abreast with critical developments.

Broadband Poised to be Future for Communication in the Aircraft Industry

While radio and satellite phones are the current preferred modes of communication in the aerospace industry, the entry of broadband Internet is expected to revolutionize aircraft communication. "Broadband offers much higher speeds of communication to the tune of 10 megabits per second," says the analyst of this research. "This could give us a better understanding of the aircraft systems and also increase the flight efficiency." Broadband also supports the deployment of video surveillance systems for ensuring better security and coordination between ground staff and in-flight personnel.

Micro-displays to Form the Core of Cockpit Display Panels

Researchers are increasing efforts to create more multi-functional primary flight displays. The executive aircraft segment in particular is witnessing a spate of innovative features for cockpit displays that depict a variety of flight data to pilots, including weather conditions, maps, altitude, terrain, and air traffic. "Pilots are now demanding not just audio but visual displays also that offer better navigational capabilities," observes the analyst. "Honeywells low-cost, Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS), not only provides pilots with different color codes according to the terrains elevation, but also gives audible and visual alerts in case of an imminent collision."

With the need to store vast amounts of flight information in small areas, micro-displays with high resolutions of up to 1.3 mega pixels are likely to surge ahead of conventional cathode ray tube (CRT) display panels in the near future.

Table of Contents

• 1. Executive Summary
  • 1. Scope and Methodology
    • 1. Scope
    • 2. Research Methodology
  • 2. Key Findings
    • 1. Noteworthy Emerging Technologies and Applications
    • 2. Assessment of Competing Technologies
• 2. Technology and Applications Viewpoint
  • 1. Aircraft Design--A Technology and Applications Assessment
    • 1. Overview
    • 2. Novel Aircraft Designs
  • 2. Materials for Aerospace Applications--A Technology and Applications Assessment
    • 1. Advances in Aircraft Materials
    • 2. Advances in Materials Processing Techniques
  • 3. Aircraft Systems--A Technology and Applications Assessment
    • 1. Advanced Displays
    • 2. Broadband Communications
• 3. Technology Adoption Factor Analysis
  • 1. Analysis of Technology Accelerators and Barriers
    • 1. Aircraft Design
    • 2. Materials
    • 3. Display Systems
    • 4. Communications Systems
  • 2. Influential Market Factors and Regulatory Issues
    • 1. Market Factors
    • 2. Regulatory Issues
• 4. Assessment of Research and Innovation
  • 1. Research at Universities; Government Laboratories; and Institutes
    • 1. Improving Inter-Metallic Compounds for Use in Aircraft Parts--Russia
    • 2. Rubbery Metal for Aircraft Structures--USA
    • 3. Tackling Turbulence--UK
    • 4. Lightweight Yet Extremely Strong Aerogel for Aircraft Parts--USA
    • 5. Monitoring Structural Health of Aircraft-- USA
    • 6. Research in Helmet-Mounted Displays--Canada
    • 7. Inverse Design Algorithm for Aircraft Design--Germany
    • 8. Spray-Formed Metal Matrix Composite for Aircraft Parts--China
    • 9. Developing Coatings for Wear-Resistant Material in Aeroplanes--Yugoslavia
    • 10. Remote Controlling UAVs--USA
    • 11. Changing the Structure of MAVs--USA
    • 12. Modifying Zinc Alloy for Aircraft Engines--China
    • 13. Investigating Aluminum Alloys for Corrosion-Resistant Materials in Aircraft--Canada
    • 14. Vibration Control in Smart Structures Used in Aircraft--India
    • 15. Metal Oxides as Barrier Coatings for Aircraft Turbines--USA
    • 16. Active Stick Control in Aircraft Using a Sensor--Korea
    • 17. Predicting Damage in Composites for Aircraft--USA
    • 18. Developing Effective Steering Systems for Aircraft--USA
    • 19. Predicting Corrosion in Alloys Used for Aircraft Engine Parts--USA
  • 2. Research at Companies
    • 1. Composites for Space Exploration Aircraft--USA
    • 2. New Generation Turbine Made from Carbon Composites--USA
    • 3. Damage Control Composite from Boeing--USA
    • 4. Boeing Develops Non-Destructive Methods To Produce Anodized Coatings--USA
    • 5. Novel Coating to Paint Aircraft--USA
    • 6. Using Sensors for Effective Speed Measurement in Aircraft--UK
    • 7. High Performance Panels for Airbus A380--Ireland
    • 8. Plastic Foam Technology for Aircraft Wings--USA
    • 9. Lightweight Aircraft from Virgin Atlantic--USA
    • 10. Aircraft that Have Longer Flying Hours--France
• 5. Patents and Database of Key Industry Participants
  • 1. Key Patents
    • 1. USA
    • 2. Europe
  • 2. Industry Participants
    • 1. Universities/ Government Organizations/ Research Institutes
    • 2. Companies/Trade Bodies
• 6. Frost & Sullivan Science and Technology Awards
  • 1. Excellence in Technology
    • 1. Award Description
    • 2. Award Recipient
  • 2. Technology Innovation
    • 1. Award Description
    • 2. Award Recipient
• 7. Critical Reference Tables
  • 1. Decision Support Database Tables
    • 1. Number of Aircraft Departures by Region (1999-2006)
    • 2. Number of Commercial Aircraft in Service by Region (1999-2006)
    • 3. Import of Aircraft; Spacecraft; and Others by Region (1999-2006)
    • 4. Major Companies by Region
    • 5. Number of Military Combat Aircraft by Region (1999-2006)
    • 6. Number of Military Transport Aircraft by Region (1999-2006)
    • 7. Total Number of Airports by Region (1999-2006)