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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.

Top technologies for 2004 "Aerospace Engineering's" annual review of the technologies chosen by its readers to be the most significant. Tooling around in the computer Much of the latest software is very capable, but learning how to get the best out of it, and getting the business processes right, is the key to success.

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.

Dassault-business aviation pioneer More than four decades of design and engineering evolution have seen the French business jet producer create a wide range of twin-and tri-jet Falcons, from the 20 to the latest 7X. Maintaining reliability Regional airlines and business jet operators care about fuel efficiency, just not as much as engine reliability. Introducing Greg Henderson, SAE President for 2006 The Lockheed Martin executive steps up to take SAE into its next 100 years.

Focusing on the process Lean practices aim at changing the way managers, engineers, and assembly workers view their jobs. This first installment in a two-part series on lean manufacturing focuses on the principles that make up this production philosophy. Smoothing the path to laminar flow control Researchers at Cranfield College of Aeronautics are studying laminar flow control technology with the particular target of enhancing Airbus aircraft technology for the 21st century. Maintaining electrical protection on the 777 A scheduled maintenance program is essential for aircraft protection against high-intensity radiated fields and lightning.

Full throttle for engine solutions Powering aircraft from Mach 2 fighters to tiny hovering UAVs, military engine technology is now operating on a very broad front. Design and production flexibility together with reduced in-service costs are priorities. To the breaking point Test engineers use new rigs and data-acquisition equipment on the latest generation of pneumatics, engines, and airframes. PCs move into the cockpit Pilot training is getting a bit less expensive with the introduction of more portable flight simulations.

Looking to new aircraft configurations Researchers at Cranfield University's College of Aeronautics discuss the needs and benefits of studying different aircraft configurations such as the blended-wing body. Leading edge deicing Shape memory alloys, which can be trained to generate a compressive strain upon application of an electric current, show promise for deicing applications.

EADS aerospace technology Europe's aerospace giant is focusing its research and development activities on more economical, safer. cleaner, and quieter technologies. Farnborough highlights Following is a brief synopsis of some of the technologies and partnerships that were announced at July's Farnborough Air Show. Look for more extensive coverage in future issues. Educating engineers Academia and employers alike area attempting to equip aerospace engineers with a skill set more varied than just technical know-how through hands-on experience and career-long training.

Clean, quiet commercial propulsion Engine manufacturers design future engines to meet noise, pollution, and fuel economy needs. Robots take over Dramatic changes in areas as diverse as semiconductor costs, software tools, and the trend toward regional aircraft are creating opportunities for airplane manufacturers to automate their factories. Rapid prototyping to rapid manufacturing Durable, temperature-resistant powders and materials enable the manufacture of complex components. The research race Aerospace R&D funding in the U.S. is on the upswing, but new priorities create challenges for universities.

Getting greener To meet upcoming fuel economy and emissions regulations, the developmental homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) engine shows promise, but pursuit of more conventional engine technologies may be the better path. Highlights of Baja SAEINDIA The 2015 event, the 8th edition with the theme of Beyond Boundaries, was won by the College of Engineering, Pune. Rise of the underdogs Problem-plagued effort last year spurs Baja SAE team from VIT University of India to overhaul itself and its car. Testing reality in an increasingly complex design space Digital simulation tools have transformed the designing and testing of new aircraft, as well as the way they are manufactured and sustained.

Alternative fuels heat up This is a rich time for combustion researchers. The need for better fuel efficiency and improved emissions has never been greater. New software model to help engine makers meet diesel soot standards Simulation enables engineers to predict particulate formation early in the design process.

Shed a few joules with better aerodynamics A team of engineering students from Laval University has managed to reduce the energy demand due to wind resistance of its Supermileage vehicle by 10% after carefully designing a new vehicle body with a 25% larger frontal area. Telemetry helps Formula SAE team close the loop on design Once a year, a team of students at Virginia Tech get to do something that ought to put a grin on any aspiring engineer's face: build a racecar. Unconventional steel wheel designs The drawings done by collegiate students for a steel wheel design competition had industry professionals thinking about future production possibilities.

Solving the carbon problem Promoting a sustainable future for the transportation industry will benefit the welfare of humankind. My Baja SAE journey Every day, I realize how much Baja SAE has taught me-both in life and in engineering. Honda unveils next-gen motorcycle powertrains New engines designed for low-speed torque, fuel efficiency, and riding 'character' are coupled with new DCT and CVT transmissions. Three rules of career management for 2012 Do you have a career management plan to ensure your career growth in times of corporate chaos?

Inside development of Unimore's high-performance Formula SAE engine The adoption of a single-cylinder engine, instead of the more powerful inline four cylinder, required a much bigger effort for getting an acceptable level of power. Academia and motorsports industry partner for enhanced performance A four-year Bachelor of Science degree in motorsports engineering at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, in addition to certificates in motorsports technology and motorsports studies, has led to the creation of some unique new college classes and associated activities. Propulsion systems for private space flight While some companies are creating high altitude air and ground launch vehicles for taking private individuals into space, companies such as XCOR Aerospace and Armadillo Aerospace are addressing other market needs in the private space flight industry. 200-mph electric racecar Drayson aims to break track records.

Types of aircraft passenger-escape systems An overview of existing and potential new methods for assuring aircraft occupant safety. SAE Skill India Initiative: S2I2 A new SAEINDIA collaboration aims to help young engineers acquire "industry-ready" skills. A technology-driven sustainable-agriculture solution Pumping more air into the cylinder is key to solving the CAFE puzzle, and engineers are hard at work figuring out the best ways to do it with turbocharger and supercharger innovation. Rotorcraft icing computational tool development 3D printing machines can't be built fast enough In the additive-manufacturing world, the costs of components are dropping, the technology is becoming more reliable and parts are fabricated faster, allowing industries beyond aerospace to adopt additive technologies, says Oak Ridge Lab's Ryan Dehoff.

Focus on advanced safety systems and human-factor interventions The impact of REACH on the aviation sector Considered the most comprehensive chemical-regulation legislation to date, REACH presents serious ramifications for the aircraft industry. Lightweighting: What's Next? Experts weigh in on the challenges and future enablers in the battle to reduce vehicle mass. The best of COMVEC 2016 Autonomous vehicles and improved fuel efficiency via advanced powertrain solutions are pressing topics detailed in this select group of technical papers from the SAE Commercial Vehicle Engineering Congress. Optimizing waste heat recovery for long-haul trucks Autonomous solutions in agriculture Downsizing a HD diesel engine for off-highway applications Zero-emissions electric aircraft: Theory vs. reality

Getting an engineering foundation through Formula SAE Having an underclassman with no leadership experience as team captain proved to be no hindrance to the University of Texas-Arlington Formula SAE team. Experience and innovation walk hand in hand Team from Pontifical Catholic University carries success in native Brazil to U.S. in SAE Aero Design competition. 'Complete, finish, win' University of Stuttgart team rides that motto to victories and podium finishes by the dozen.

Running on fumes The trials and tribulations of a team of engineers as it strives to build a high-mileage vehicle from the ground up. BYU team brings clean water to Tanzania For its capstone project, a Brigham Young University team designed and implemented a human-powered drill with motorized functionality to provide the much-needed resource to remote populations in Africa. Mizzou Engineering Electric Car Club contributes to national safety effort University of Missouri students gather data for hybrid and electric vehicle first responder materials. Hyundai introduces Veloster The new coupe is obviously something different from a styling standpoint, and a second rear-access door on the passenger's side just adds to that distinction.

Formula SAE-a winners again Monash University took the top spot in the 2010 Formula SAE-Australasia student competition for the second year in a row. Dual-fuel lab engines achieve high efficiencies, low emissions Experiments conducted by researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison as well as at Oak Ridge National laboratory demonstrate that partial blending of two fuels in the cylinder can promote a more ideal combustion process. Detroit motor show Small and efficient cars stole the show at the recent North American International auto show. nextgen today and tomorrow The FAA has reached a major milestone on the next generation air transportation system initiative to modernize America's national airspace system.

Road to lab to math Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University students designed a biodiesel-fueled power-split extended range electric vehicle for the latest ecocar challenge. Deep (Orange) Dive Cu-icar teams with industry to complete a student-engineered and -designed extended- range EV. Trends impacting military and defense engineering Industry leaders discussed a number of pressing issues- ranging from the need for more young engineers to significantly compressed design cycles- at the recent SAE Commercial Vehicle Engineeering Congress. Shifting gears smoothly 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.