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Marotta turns things around The valve-making company used to have trouble getting product out the door on time, but it has improved its turnaround dramatically via lean thinking. A view from the factory Manufacturing techniques and materials used in other industries may be debuting at aerospace factories near you. Reverse engineering Using digital processes accelerates design and increases manufacturing quality. Fine-tuning aerodynamics The aerospace industry relies on massive amounts of computing power to continually simulate, test, and optimize vehicles for reliability and accuracy.

Collaboration off shelf Major software suppliers are using their experiences supporting aerospace customers to develop solutions that make suppliers more efficient. The future of wire health While recent technological advances can provide increased safety through faster suppression of shorts and arcing type conditions, it can also add significantly to ongoing maintenance costs. Tomorrow's reality in defense electronics SAE 100 Future look: From space-based satellite communications systems to rifles equipped with laser and thermal imaging sights, electronics has intergrated itself as a core ingredient of contemporary war-fare.

F-35 manufacturing ergonomics addressed Human-factors simulation from Delmia is playing a key role as Northrop Grumman tools up for work on the Joint Strike Fighter. Keeping it together: design, development, and maintenance It is only in relatively recent years that the full meaning of integrating manufacturing and maintenance as part of the design and development processes has been grasped by the aerospace industry. Exploring the boundaries of our solar system SAE 100 Future look: In addition to helping enable NASA's new vision of taking humans back to the moon and paving the way to Mars and beyond, two robotics space science missions are preparing to explore the outermost and innermost edges of our solar system. What's on the horizon for space SAE 100 Future look: Dramatic changes in the Earth's climate are certain to drive humanity's search for alternative fuel sources.

Virtually eliminating prototypes IBM PLM Solutions developed by Dassault Systemes have enabled Dassault Aviation to meet the challenges of the executive business jet market with a new virtual platform.

Global technologies Much of the excitement surrounding such aircraft as the point-to-point 787, hub-to-hub A380, and 7X business jet is due to the application of new technologies. Engineering a career With an impending shortage of aerospace engineers, industry and academia team to mold future engineering talent for an increasingly global environment. Taking research to the bank Behind the doors of BAE Systems' Advanced Technology Center. Testing toward perfection In a competitive global market, commercial aircraft need to be lighter, faster to market, cheaper to build, easier to maintain, and safer than ever.

Advanced materials for manufacturability The big three- aluminum, titanium, and composites- duke it out in the sky. Automation makes big advances Aircraft manufacturers continue to adopt new technologies that improve efficiency, speed up production, and reduce worker injuries. Electric braking debuts in military and commercial applications SAE 100 Future look: Goodrich led the development of electromechanical aircraft braking with a highly focused team of experts from three divisions within the company, each working in their own fields of expertise: braking performance, electronic controls, and electromechanical acutators (EAs). Looking into the future with NDT SAE 100 Future look: The need for systemized inspection inthe aircraft industry did not arise until the dramatic increase in air travel that took place in the late 1940s. Electronic warfare SAE 100 Future look: Today's combat aircraft commonly use electronic warfare (EW) receivers and jammers for self protection.

Armed, autonomous, and unmanned UAVs come of age as the 21st century surveillance platform. Designers go digital New capabilities in design and simulation are influencing many aspects of aerospace product development. Streamlining circuit design Alcatel conquers the next frontier of satellite design with algorithmic C synthesis. Space station design rules Engineers can develop the best solution to a problem that has conflicting objectives by using a space station design language.

All things to all operators Manufacturers of commercial powerplants simultaneously tackle fuel efficiency, performance, and life-cycle costs. Digital morphs the radio landscapes In the world of aerospace, smaller radios are able to handle a larger number of frequencies. Top technologies for 2005 A look back at some of the most significant technological innovations in the news during the past year, as deemed by readers and editors.

When less means more More electronic functions fit into less space, improving safety without adding bulk. Collaborating on takeoff Communication and common goals are vital for success in bringing engineering projects to fruition.

Simulating real-time safety Aircraft manufacturers are all pushing for ways to develop software more quickly without sacrificing reliability. Next-generation launchers: Only the tried and true need apply Companies find that some elements of the recipe for success have been handed down for generations. Polar satellites tries to weather storm NPOESS satellites would allow more accurate weather predictions for both military and civilian weather services.

Designing reliable boards The makers of electronic hardware are boosting reliability by reducing the number of components that can fail while improving ruggedization for those circuit boards. Better seen, not heard Reducing noise profiles is a multi-targeted task for engine OEMs, airframers, airport authorities, and regulatory agencies. Farnborough 2006 "Sustainable Aviation" will be a key subject as representatives of the global aerospace industry meet at the Farnborough International Airshow.

The human factor in maintaining safety The need for safety systems and processes is crucial for every aspect of aerospace, with human experience and expertise melding with increasing computer power to pinpoint potential problems and increase efficiency. Mitsui at the cutting edge of precision machining The Japanese company is riding a wave of new-aircraft programs to grow its business at the upper and lower ends of the market.

Let's get digital Aviation and defense companies are turning to software tools as a way to create systems and components faster, cheaper, and more efficiently than ever before. Global collaboration is in the air From national to international to global, aerospace programs have become ever more geographically interlinked. Whether military or civil, the need for transworld technology collaboration and partnership is rising to new heights. Creating, customizing aircraft interiors Aircraft designers who have made the transition to digital design tools are expanding their use as the tools extend their capabilities.

Composite simulation helps fill gaps There is no turning back from using carbon-fiber reinforced plastics and other composite materials for aerospace parts. Simulation providers are finding new opportunities to help reduce cost and improve efficiencies in designing and making aerospace parts made of composites. Shifting gears smoothly Ric Kleine, a 30-year veteran of Cummins Inc. and former SAE Commercial Vehicle VP, seeks continuity over change as he moves into SAE's driver's seat.

Global engineering challenges grow For the past thirty years Boeing and Airbus have ruled the commercial skies, developing and supplying thousands of airplanes seating from 120 to over 500 passengers. Emerging markets may make the skies a bit more crowded.

Machine tools meet new materials If you're in the business of making machine tools for aerospace applications, you're probably working on improvements in cutting tough metals and composites.

Aerospace, metrology, and data- a growing web of connection Developing metrology programs efficiently in aerospace development using CAD models and simulation means the industry needs to adapt to new challenges.

Material matters While new airplane designs now entering service will use more carbon-fiber composites than ever, it is no time to count out aluminum, as promising new versions of alloys such as aluminum-lithium gain ground.

Bright prognosis for IVHM Partnerships, web tools help integrated vehicle health monitoring extend its reach.

Hypersonic possibilities When it comes to reviving high-speed air travel, it all comes down to propulsion, propulsion, propulsion. Shrinking electronics help fuel rising usage Integration helps UAVs carry more sensors and send data faster, making unmanned aircraft more valuable. A greener flight path 'Eco-efficient Innovation Leading the Future of Aviation' is the theme of SAE's 2011 AeroTech conference to be held OCt. 18-21 in Toulouse, France. Manufacturing advanced materials A look at some of the challenges of additive layer manufacturing, as well as the advantages it brings to the aerospace industry.