With the news of so many aviation disasters lately, you might think that the aviation and aerospace industries are in trouble. But, keeping people grounded isn’t likely to ever happen. Ever since the Wright brothers made a machine that could fly through the air, innovation has continued and will continue as we strive to reach the currently unreachable.
The aerospace industry is experiencing an innovation and manufacturing rebound. An increase in investing over the past few years is being driven by lower U.S. costs and an increase in automation which is having a positive impact on the industry.
Companies such as Boeing are using these investments to expand aerostructure building within their own factories. The manufacturing landscape has been transformed by new technologies, such as automation, that are reducing expenses. High demand for new model airplanes are keeping factories throughout this country and Mexico very busy.
Boeing is innovating communication satellite technology having just completed production of the world’s first all-electric propulsion satellites. A vertically stacked pair of satellites is being prepared for launch. The lighter weight propulsion system reduces costs for the customer.
The Defense Department is also continuing to upgrade military and defense programs by continuing to research and develop the F-35 Lightening II joint strike fighter. Additionally, the military is expanding their fleets to include aerial refueling tankers which are militarized versions of the Boeing 767 widebody passenger jet.
NASA continues its mission of innovation and exploration with goals of growing the economy. Aeronautics research is looking toward a new era where autonomy, electric propulsion and the Internet of Things will combine with traditional aviation technologies.
The aerospace and aviation industry continues to improve travel, communications, defense, and exploration.
Resources:
http://www.militaryaerospace.com/articles/2015/02/dod-budget-aircraft.html
http://aviationweek.com/technology/nasa-strategy-will-narrow-aeronautics-focus-over-time
