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Lidar technology strengthens current approaches to ADAS

2019-05-13
Lidar technologies provide immediate and accurate free-space detection and excellent object detection and localization. As a result, a driver-assistance system designed with a high-performance, forward-looking lidar (FLL) sensor would greatly improve vehicle performance and safety. The third installment of this multipart series provides practical insight into the use of lidar technology as the cornerstone of a real-world advanced driver-assistance system.
Article

Forward-looking lidar can revolutionize driver-assistance systems

2019-05-07
Automakers have invested heavily in developing advanced driver-assistance technologies to make driving more comfortable and safe. The most advanced of these systems are already offered as vehicle features that satisfy Level 2 automated driving as defined by SAE International in SAE J 3016-2018 Taxonomy and Definitions for Terms Related to Driving Automation Systems for On-Road Motor Vehicles and incorporate capabilities, such as Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), and Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB). These features can intervene in certain driving scenarios to control the vehicle’s movement; yet, to ensure safe operation, the driver must remain attentive and focused on the driving environment.
Article

UAV Turbines designs purpose-built microturbine engine for Class 3 and 4 UAVs

2019-05-02
UAV Turbines, Inc. has developed a new microturbine, turboprop engine designed for defense and commercial Group 3 and 4 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or “drone” applications. UAV Turbines’ Monarch RP is designed to operate reliably, quietly, and powerfully on various qualities of heavy fuel and outperform conventional reciprocating engines.
Article

Maintainers design a $400 maintenance fixture to save the U.S. Air Force $500k per year

2019-04-30
A cowling, or engine cover, is a critical airframe component that reduces drag and directing airflow into the engine. For the E-8C JSTARS, an aircraft with four massive Pratt and Whitney JT3D-based TF33-102C turbofan engines, each set of engine cowling components can cost up to $80,000 per set. Even a slightly warped cowling renders the entire housing unsafe and unserviceable.
Article

Stratolaunch all-composite aircraft achieves first flight

2019-04-15
Stratolaunch Systems Corp., founded by Paul G. Allen, in Seattle, Washington, has completed the first flight of the Stratolaunch, the world’s largest all-composite aircraft, with a dual-fuselage design and wingspan greater than the length of an American football field. The Stratolaunch aircraft took flight on April 13 at 0658 PDT from the Mojave Air & Space Port in Mojave, California; achieved a maximum speed of 189 miles per hour; and flew for 2.5 hours over the Mojave Desert at altitudes up to 17,000 feet. 
Article

Wichita State’s National Center for Advanced Materials Performance partners with SAE International to standardize lightweight aerospace materials

2019-04-05
The National Center for Advanced Materials Performance (NCAMP) of Wichita State University (WSU) is partnering with SAE International to develop globally harmonized aerospace material and process specifications for advanced composites and non-metal additive manufacturing (AM) materials in the aerospace and air transport industries.
Article

Sensuron enables real-time structural health monitoring onboard NASA’s X-56 UAV

2019-04-04
In contrast to the stiff, rigid wings found on most commercial aircraft, flexible wing technology is considered essential to next generation, fuel efficient aircraft. However, flexible wings are susceptible to “flutter,” or highly destructive aeroelastic instability. To better understand and mitigate flutter, engineers at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center (AFRC) equipped the X-56 with fiber optic sensing (FOS) technology.
Article

Airbus’ connected cabin concept is materializing with first round of partnerships

2019-04-03
Airbus SE is shifting its Connected Experience cabin concept into the first stages of reality with cooperative buy-in from gategroup Holding AG, Stelia Aerospace, and Recaro Aircraft Seating. Up until the partnership announcement, Airbus had been collecting extensive market feedback and refining its Internet of Things (IoT) approach to aircraft interiors, with real-time interconnected galleys, in-flight service carts, seats, and overhead bins.
Article

Sikorsky-Boeing’s FVL contender takes flight

2019-03-25
The Sikorsky-Boeing SB-1 Defiant (stylized as “SB>1 DEFIANT”) compound helicopter flew for the first time at Sikorsky’s West Palm Beach, Florida facility. Unlike current rotorcraft, the SB-1 Defiant’s propulsion system includes a rear-mounted pusher propulsor in addition to two coaxial main rotors. This unique setup allows the Defiant to reach speeds and a service range far beyond that of modern helicopters.
Article

Aerospace manufacturers turn to non-hazardous PVD coatings as regulations tighten on toxic hard chrome plating

2019-03-08
The search for a suitable replacement to hard chrome plating on aerospace components has been a key supply chain priority for aircraft manufacturers. This is because of the documented health risks to workers and the impact on the environment from exposure to hexavalent chromium, a carcinogen that occurs during the chrome plating process and the most toxic form of chromium.
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