Technological Advancements in Aerospace Engineering.

"Over the past few years, the aerospace industry has seen countless innovations coming to fruition with many more on the horizon. Here are six emerging aerospace technologies everyone would want to know about":
1.ZERO-FUEL AIRCRAFT
Zero Fuel aircraft use photovoltaic panels to utilize solar energy to provide necessary thrust to the engines.
2.STRUCTURAL HEALTH MONITORING
Advanced health management systems such as monitoring, prognostics and self healing are being developed to enhance our ability to analyze and determine the status of an aircraft. This technology has already been used by Boeing and airbus and was previously used onboard an air frame jet that crashed in 2009 to notify headquarters of electrical problems.
3.ADVANCED SPACE PROPULSION TECHNOLOGIES
A new plasma based rocket propulsion technology known as the VASIMR ROCKET(variable specific impulse magneto plasma rocket)has been in development by NASA along with department of energy.
4.ADVANCED MATERIALS
Advances in material science have hinted toward huge benefits for aircraft manufacturers. New materials like graphene and carbon nanotubes are helping to make airplane wings more efficient by reducing weight and fuel consumption.
5.SMART AUTOMATION AND BLOCKCHAIN
Manufacturing aircraft parts is a highly specialized and complicated process. However, new technologies and processes are making it faster and simpler .Aerospace and defense companies are also staring to explore the digital realm, as well. Technologies such as blockchain are helping to improve transparency and automate transactions among supply chain partners.
6.3D PRINTING
Companies that have had trouble keeping up with production deadlines have turned to 3D printing as solution in recent years. Space parts that need to be replaced on a regular basis, such as door handles, will be the first targets. Next, the tools that are used to create aircraft parts will also be printed. This will cut back on time, cost and weight.
THE FUTURE IS HERE:
Innovative technologies and manufacturing processes are being developed on a seemingly constant basis and small to medium sized manufacturers are reaping the benefits as aerospace companies look for niche suppliers to help expand their supply chain.
More and more joint ventures and outsourcing are expected to occur in the next five to ten years as these emerging markets start to compete on a global scale.