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With the increasing complexity of modern combat aircraft flight control systems, the flight trials phase of an aircraft development programme has become much more of an aircraft and systems model validaition exercise. This requires a highly integrated ground and flight test programme with accurate models of the aircraft and its systems and new analysis techniques to enable rapid and effective validation of these models. This paper describes recent experience at British Aerospace Warton on a number of aircraft programmes which has resulted in the development of effective real lime analysis techniques. These techniques provide the ability to perform in-flight model validation and are currently being used in the EF2000 development programme at Warton.

Universal Avionics provides vision The avionics supplier looks to improve pilot situational awareness of surrounding terrain with its new synthetic-vision technology. Enhancing awareness in the cockpit The U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory studies the technology trends and issues regarding head-up synthetic vision displays. Preparing for the next wave of air traffic The FAA, NASA, and air-traffic-management system suppliers look to step up efforts and technology developments to enhance capacity of the National Air Space system.

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.

Military maneuvers Electronics and avionics designers put control in the pilot's hand. Propelling commercial aircraft GE Aircraft Engines calls upon its engineers, and those of its "competitors," to develop a series of next-generation engines. Bonded repairs Aircraft structure repair is process-sensitive, requiring attention to detail, particularly in terms of both composite and metal surface preparation.

Going direct in manufacturing Prototyping transitions from one-off components to flight-ready hardware. Traveling light, traveling easy Airplane manufacturers have always tried to avoid unnecessary weight- and today's materials and design tactics combine for stronger structures with less weight. making flying safer Technology is applied to new avionics and ground-based systems to make air operations, military as well as civil, far safer than ever before. Innovative Thinking 101 West Virginia University professor Dr. James E. Smith issues a call for innovation as one of the central themes of his term as SAE's 2009 President.

The aging Lockheed C-130 Hercules military transport platform is used by numerous countries for military and government logistics. The aircraft first flew in 1954, and in order to stay relevant, Collins Aerospace has developed a Flight2 aftermarket avionic solution to upgrade communications, navigation, surveillance, and air traffic management (CNS/ATM) capabilities. Collins’ latest customer, the Portuguese Air Force, will use Flight2 to upgrade avionics and enable their fleet of C-130H aircraft to communicate in next generation airspace.