Aviation's future: shape-changing aircraft?
Aircraft wings that can change shape during flight could be one of the high-tech developments of the future for the aviation industry.
That’s the conclusion of a review of cutting edge aviation technology in the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s latest edition of Flight Safety Australia magazine.
New technology is already delivering synthetic vision systems for pilots, composite materials for aircraft and lower interior noise for passengers.
In the future aviation will make greater use of robotics and nanotechnology.
Nanotechnology researchers are already looking at using nanotubes of carbon to greatly reinforce the already stronger-than-metal composite materials used in the latest aircraft such as the A380 and Boeing Dreamliner.
These materials could be used to produce ‘morphing wings’ which could replace the current hinged wing flap systems with an integrated wing that could change shape for landings and take-offs.
Research is also underway to make aircraft quieter for passengers and crew, reducing fatigue and the perception of jet-lag.
“For its 787 Dreamliner, Boeing has, for example, worked with Rolls Royce and General Electric to introduce engine nacelles with serrated nozzle exhausts,” the Flight Safety Australia article says.
“More subtly, the shape of the aircraft’s nose section has been designed to minimise noise created by the flow of air at high speed.”
Synthetic vision is already available on a number of smaller aircraft and continues to be developed.
These systems give flight crews simulated sunny weather conditions at all times, regardless of the actual weather or the time of day.
“This is achieved by an in-cockpit display which uses a GPS and computer-generated terrain modelling to present a highly accurate three-dimensional representation of the flying environment, along with landing and approach indicators and runway surface conditions.”
Read the full Flight Safety Australia story on High-tech aviation at: http://www.casa.gov.au/fsa/2007/oct/index.htm
News and EventsCheck here regularly for all the latest happenings at SportAviation. This area is updated regularly with all the latest news and photo's. It's the place to see all the latest action! |
WeatherThis link is for aviation weather. Click the weather zone icon on our news page to see the latest local weather forecasts and observations. |
Air Experience FlightsTry a scenic glider flight or give one as a gift. |
Holiday ParkNOW OPEN... contact us to find out more |