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Technological Innovations Morph into Other Industries & Applications

Articles

Historically, the aerospace industry has delivered things like microwave technology to homes and businesses across the globe. There have been many technological innovations morphing into other industries and applications. What is on the horizon in 2018? Zero-fuel aircraft is using photovoltaic panels to channel solar energy to provide aircraft engine thrust. It has been observed by experts that this concept can be applied to the agriculture sector, for aerial photography, 3D mapping and environmental protection. Alternative energies in space is another likely innovation with plenty of applications in the near future.

Aerospace Inventions Touching Our Lives

The material used to manufacture aeroplanes, stuff like graphene and carbon nanotubes, will continue to make air travel cheaper through reducing weight and fuel consumption. Microrobots may soon be assembling the wings of aircraft via breakthroughs by NASA and MIT. Similarly, plasma-based rocket propulsion technology is enabling long-term space missions to be considered in the near future. Reducing fuel consumption and reducing weight is, again, the key here. 3D printing has been embraced by the aerospace industry to see manufacturers like Airbus producing some thousand parts for its A350 aeroplane.

Smart Kitchen Technology

How kitchens are being built is another example of this cross fertilisation between industries. Software advances have allowed kitchen designers to see dimensionally how a space will function. 3D computer graphics provide detailed information pertaining to how a kitchen will look and feel. CAD software has been a game changer in this field. The materials now used for kitchen benchtop surfaces and cabinets are revolutionary in their form and function. Smart kitchen technology is helping people do more culinarily in the kitchen and for their storage to be more effective.

Computer Screens in the Kitchen

Social media plays a role in communicating these innovations to the public at large. Images on Pinterest and Instagram are spreading like wildfire, as interested parties share these exciting new inventions. Computer screens in the kitchen are somewhat similar to the computerised dashboards in the cockpit of a jet liner. These devices are providing essential information to both cook and pilot, as they seek to steer their ships to safe and tasty outcomes. The microwave oven came to the kitchen from out of space and has proved a perennial visitor. Aeroplane engineers are forever designing smaller spaces for passengers, so that air travel companies can make more money. How this fits with the growth in obesity in the populations of western nations is hard to reconcile, however.

 

Engineering Outsourcing in the Aerospace Industry

News

Aerospace Industry and Engineering Outsourcing

The aerospace industry has not been spared from the roll out of outsourcing – particularly engineering outsourcing. There is already an understanding on the value that this type of outsourcing can bring to the industry. Despite the concerns in security, regulation, and challenge from strong internal cultures, it cannot be denied that outsourcing can increase performance while keeping cost structure manageable. What is the impact of engineering outsourcing in the aerospace industry?

 Outsourcing Solutions

The outsourcing solutions for the aerospace industry is not entirely new. Some have been around as early as two decades ago, which means that outsourcing providers have considerable skill and deep understanding of the industry.  By far, engineering outsourcing does not only relate to a reduction of labor costs, but more importantly, it helps to achieve higher performance in non-core areas.

Outsourcing also helps to free up resources so that high value activities receive greater focus. It can also translate to improved management focus, access to high quality technology, improved workforce skills, and standardized processes among others.

A good example of engineering outsourcing solutions is the historic feat of Boeing for the 787.  The company did not use its pool of aircraft engineers and mechanics, but rather it went with a team of international engineers and suppliers from Japan, France, Italy, Australia, the United States, and other places for its components. All of which were assembled by Boeing workers in the United States.

According to the company, the outside partnership made the aircraft project possible. Despite the need for some tweaking, it cannot be denied that the involvement of international suppliers is significant. This can be seen through the development and understanding of technologies as well as options that were needed to keep the project moving. The partner suppliers made their own design and manufacturing including providing funding.

Dealing with Complications

There is no denying that the process of building an aircraft is rather complicated; at least in comparison to other commonly outsourced tasks. You will need the best engineers working together with skilled builders. It is also essential that they perform their tasks not only in close proximity, but sans the cultural barriers and bureaucratic issues as well.

Outsourcing has a way of dealing with such complications that concerns about borders and language barriers rarely become an issue. In the case of Boeing, large sections of its plane was built in four different countries and then brought together for assembly in another country.

The increased quantity of work exceeds the traditional borders because of the shared risks and costs necessary to come up with the best aircraft that is comparatively lighter than what is in the air today. This venture is motivated by the desire to save on fuel among others, something that outsourcing has made possible by overcoming technological challenges.

Reliance on foreign partners to increase engineering skills may have an impact on the internal culture of companies like Boeing, but, in the context of coming up with better aircrafts, it becomes necessary to adapt to a few changes.

Companies need to make sure that core competencies are never outsourced. Why? Because this is what gives the organization value.

Moving to Engineering Outsourcing

Is there a right time to start engineering outsourcing in the aerospace industry? Just like any other industry, the decision to outsource may be dictated by internal factors. For example, company mergers may prompt management to outsource some areas of operation where former key personalities have been retrenched. This gives the merged companies the same level or greater technical skills at a fraction of the cost it would take to retain technical positions.

Sometimes the shifting priorities of the company would be the determining factor in deciding to outsource. A player in the aerospace industry may decide that outsourcing can lead to engineering dominance that will result in long-term profits.

Relocation is another factor that can push companies to outsource. If the company moves to a new location where the labor workforce is not as skilled or uncooperative, then the option to outsource may be put on the table.

The number of projects that the company is handling is another determinant whether engineering outsourcing is called for. Rather than stretch the skills and capabilities of its workforce, outsourcing provides the solution to increase efficiency and meet deadlines without stressing the workforce or over extending the budget while keeping with the project timeline.

Exploring new technologies that will increase the efficiency of aircrafts and deliver better services to customers can also move companies to outsource. Bringing back the case of Boeing, working on a new model as a response to the demands of airlines to increase fuel efficiency, it began looking into the use of carbon-composite structure that would help create lighter aircrafts. This would result in 20% less fuel consumption than the aluminum crafts currently in use.

Maintaining Control

Although companies in the aerospace industry may decide to outsource, this does not mean that it would lose control over the production process. Companies may choose to outsource the manufacturing or the wing design for example, but it can still maintain control by overseeing the production process.

Essentially, partnering through outsourcing is intended to bring higher standards into the company in terms of performance, safety, and product quality. Although the company may lose out in learning new skills, the tradeoff is that it can come out with better performing aircrafts using newer designs and technology.

The selection process for the outsource partner is critical to ensure that there will be no delays in the production process. It will also ensure that the outsource company would be always available whenever its expertise would be needed. This would make moving to outsourcing worth the investment.

Judging the Result

Much like any feat of engineering, determining whether the decision to outsource is correct or not lies on the final product. An aircraft that promises a smoother, quieter, and more comfortable ride would surely excite frequent flyers.

On the other hand, when the promise of fuel efficiency is realized, airlines would definitely be jubilant. In both instances, engineering outsourcing can be considered a success. Going back to the case of Boeing, despite the challenges and hiccups in its decision to use international suppliers, manufacturers, and partners, it can still be considered a success because of the record number of orders that it received for an aircraft that remains in the developmental stage.

This is proof that engineering outsourcing in the aerospace industry can work with the right partners, adequate planning, and commitment.

Aerospace in Cyberspace

Aerospace in Cyberspace

Articles

With spaceflight technology accelerating like never before, many individuals want to learn more about celestial mechanics, the future of aerospace, and the mechanisms that run our solar system. Plus, they want to keep apprised on their development as well as learn about scientific developments in the final frontier. There are few scientific endeavours that excite the imagination quite as much as spaceflight. Unlike things here on Earth, space truly is the final frontier. We have already climbed our highest mountain, we have already been to the North and South Poles, and we have circumnavigated the globe. Now it seems that the last great challenges and a whole new set of firsts exist in space. The first person to set foot on another planet, the first person to travel beyond Earth’s gravitational pull, the first space colonists, and the first interstellar probes are all likely within this generation.

However, despite this massive interest in space, aerospace engineering, and the future of humanity, most websites dealing with these topics will bore you to tears. NASA’s website is a perfect example. The information may be factually correct while still being incredibly boring. But taking incredibly exciting things and making them boring is exactly what the government has been doing for centuries. However, this provides an opportunity for new individuals to satisfy the cravings of space enthusiasts with high-tech websites for users that can meet their demands for it with interesting and interactive websites.

So what would high tech websites about aerospace and spaceflight technologies contain? One of the most important things is that they would have high quality, informative, interesting, and visually engaging material. Something can be visually engaging and yet of such poor quality informationally that no one wants to listen or read it. They might download a picture or two as a desktop background but it’s not going to fulfil the deeper need of good information about a topic of interest in them. Conversely, you can have a highly factual website with all the stats and mathematical figures for spaceflight and it will indeed be an in-depth look at the final frontier and yet is likely to be incredibly boring because it is not engaging. Facts without purpose, context, and engaging visuals are website recipes for disaster.

This is why it’s important when thinking about creating high-tech websites like this that you hire the right individuals to assist you in making them. A high-tech website about aerospace should include such things as an interactive solar system where individuals can feel like they are cruising through the solar system, able to interact with planets and planetoids along the way. It is also a fantastic way to link users to interesting YouTube videos about various topics for people who do want a more in-depth look but do not want to go through 50 pages of stats and figures.

Advanced websites could also include ways that people could get involved with space travel or aerospace engineering. Advertising for different companies could be a great way to offset costs as the website becomes more popular and the individuals who come are not merely hobbyists looking to fulfil little fantasies of space exploration but legitimate scientists and engineers looking for ways they can be involved in helping humanity in our last great leaps. Designing high tech websites for your users is the best way to ensure their happiness and your future prosperity.

Intranet Failure

Intranet Failure: How We Rebuilt from Disaster in Weeks

Articles, News

There are always risks in any major software project, such as your company’s intranet. Some of us may have heard or read a couple of intranet horror stories that lead us into questioning the efficiency of an intranet system. One of the reasons why intranet fails is because of the users themselves. It’s either no one uses it or your employees fall flat in adopting the new system. Having said that, there are also cases where the intranet is the one to blame for your frustrations while doing your work. If there is intranet failure, what should you do about it?

Intranet Failure: How We Rebuilt From Disaster In Weeks

The first step in rebuilding from an intranet failure and disaster is to acknowledge the fact that your intranet sucks. From there on, find a solution, our solution, that will patch up the shortcomings on how you use your intranet. Here are some stories of intranet failure of some businesses and how they moved up from the disaster.

Using the intranet without considering the other members of the team

In 2011, Direct TV used an intranet system in an effort to establish a connected enterprise. The company’s goal is truly amazing, but they failed to key in the needs of the other members of their team. Initially, the intranet was launched only to the corporate business divisions and certain resource groups. What Direct TV fell flat in doing is to include 30,000 plus of their other workforce. The result? An inefficient collaboration that looked like a waste of resources.

DIrect TV picked up from this disastrous path by first admitting that things are not doing so well. Then they came up with a thorough and in-depth training plan so that the whole team will be connected. Those who first adopted the intranet became ambassadors that helped during the transition period. The bottom line here is that Direct TV succeeded through collective desire and eagerness to embrace and accept the changes brought by the intranet.

Using the intranet without considering permissions and security

On a typical work morning, the employees of a company received a suspicious e-mail from an unknown sender. The manager read the e-mail and his face turned red when he saw that the sender was divulging the company’s business secrets. The IT head immediately looked for the culprit through the digital paper trail, and found out that the chain came from their intranet. Through the intranet’s content management system, the IT head discovered the person responsible for the e-mail blast and removed his/her access to the CMS. The bottom line of the story is to always consider the security when giving permissions to access the intranet.

Air Base Opportunities: Careers & Jobs

Articles

Working in an air base in your home country does sound interesting, especially that it appeals to our sense of nationalism. There are also instances where certain individuals look for work opportunities at a military air base because their partner is detailed there. Civilians are also welcome to work in air bases. As a matter of fact, over 180,000 professional civilians serve in the United States’ military air bases. Moreover, other civilian jobs available in most air bases include janitorial works, customer service jobs, and even prostitution, which look after lonely military guys.

Airbase Opportunities: Careers & Jobs

Being a professional pilot seems cool, especially that you get to travel around the world, explore new places, try interesting cuisines, and be acquainted with people from all walks of life. Probably what’s more interesting is working as an Air Force pilot, for instance. It feels like you become a James Bond of your own version. But, did you know that the life of an air base pilot is not as easy as it sounds?

Each year, the United States Air Force trains at least 800 new pilots. It is an in-depth training involving three phases: the Academics, Primary Aircraft Training, and Advanced Aircraft Training. After completing these three stages, new pilots will have to undergo another set of trainings.

Mechanics and engineers are also needed in air bases. Mechanics are needed to keep the aircraft in good condition. Among their tasks include oil checks and changes, and battery replacements. On the other hand, engineers are expected to perform several duties depending on their training, experience and expertise. They can be assigned in network and system configurations, research and development, maintenance, building and production flow, and support group. In general, engineers are in charge of ensuring operational safety, efficiency, airworthiness and developments in the air base.

Prostitutes also toil the streets near military air bases. There are the so-called “juicy bars” that serve as a refuge for lonely military personnels seeking companionship and sexual relief. If truth be told, there is some kind of symbiotic relationship with prostitution and the military. In fact, if you are going to keenly observe, whenever there’s a military base or installation, there will always be bars, clubs and brothels that are particularly meant for air base employees and personnels.

Deafness in the Aerospace Industry

Articles

The aerospace industry is ranked highly as one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing industries. Working and being a part of a world leader industry has its many perks and benefits, but it also bears unpleasant side effects. One of the industries with the highest hearing loss rate of all professions is the aerospace industry. The constant exposure from potentially damaging noise such as the whir of a blaring aircraft engine or the roar of a takeoff can be dangerous for aviation workers. Pilots, flight attendants, service technicians, mechanics, baggage handlers and runway workers are exposed to prolonged engine noises from aircraft and other equipment almost daily making them highly susceptible to occupational hearing loss and deafness.

Hearing loss due to noise pollution is a pretty common yet serious occupational disease. When a person has experienced years of permanent exposure to elevated noise levels, hearing loss is inescapable. Noise-induced hearing loss can limit one’s ability to hear sounds and understand speech, which impairs a person’s ability to communicate. Hearing aids may help, but they do not restore the hearing to normal. Having a hearing problem is a big deal as it can reduce a person’s quality of life.

At present, a lot of research is being done to equip aeroplanes with the active noise control technology to significantly reduce noise for a much quieter experience. Additionally, much of the extreme noise from the aeroplanes is now filtered out by using ear plugs, ear muffs and communication headsets which are exceedingly effective in reducing noise. For occupational safety and health, those in the airline industry are required to use noise shielding gears and hearing protection devices with active noise reduction which offer increased protection especially on workplaces where the noise is over 85 decibels so that they can preserve their hearing.

Hearing loss may occur from many sources and causes. Some are treatable, while many are permanent or progressive. Fortunately, at present, hearing loss isn’t as much of a concern for those in the aerospace industry as ear protection is now the norm.  But in spite of such development and improvements, aerospace industry workers need to take the risk of noise exposure seriously because of its health ramifications, especially since this is all about long-term exposure. They should always remember that prevention is still the key here and that all comes under the protection of occupational health and safety.

Aerospace Security: A Sully Proof Future

Articles

What went really went wrong with Sully’s aeroplane, which forced him and his 155 passengers to land over the Hudson River in New York? Even writing the sentence, ‘to land on or upon a river’ does not make semantic sense. Where is the land in a body of water to land on? A massive passenger jet landing on an icy river, it sounds impossible; something for the conspiracy theorists to decipher, perhaps. Was it really a bird strike to both engines or was that just a cover up? Was it the Americans denying another potential 9/11 in that same city, so soon after that great tragedy?

Aerospace Security: A Sully Proof Future

Do we all really believe that a flock of birds can bring down a giant aircraft? These state of the art, computerised, self-flying jet air liners, in which we all fly around the globe? Can they really be brought down by a bunch of birds? Is it not more likely that the real story was one of aerospace security being infiltrated by Islamic terrorists, hell bent on bringing down the capitalist Satan? Was that domestic passenger jet taking off from LaGuardia airport in the Big Apple a victim of terrorism?

An act of terror foiled by the amazing skills of one pilot, who was able to pull off the impossible. Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger on January 15, 2009, landed, or rivered, his passenger jet carrying 155 passengers after both engines blew up and failed. Why did these giant wing-based engines blow up? Was it a flock of geese? Or, was it terrorist bombs? Was aerospace security compromised and bypassed once more in America? Read more here about how important locksmiths are to security in so many settings. Locks were opened and terrorists planted these bombs, which thankfully failed to kill any Americans.

Locksmiths remain an important part of airport security, with doors and hangars secured by locks and codes all over the airport. Not every story will contain a hero like Sully, in fact, we have had far few narratives of late where the villains have not run amok. So called, religious maniacs, planting bombs and crashing aeroplanes into skyscrapers and killing thousands of innocent people, tell a repeated tragic story. It is often only a sturdy lock that stands between terror, death and mayhem. A good locksmith can stand ‘Sully like’ to keep our airports and other public spaces safe for their citizens. Viva la locksmith!

 

Helping Pilots to Fly Straighter

News

Many dream of becoming pilots looking at them as job that offers plenty of opportunities. Pilots do get to travel a lot and are paid really well for their services. This is the reason why a career as a pilot is what a huge number of kids sought after. With that being said, just like any other jobs, pilots have their own set of pros and cons. One of the disadvantages is with regards to their workplace. A huge number of pilots suffer and experience neck and back pains with them spending their working time in cramped cockpits. Let us look at common health issues pilots face while at the same time look for solutions on how to alleviate the problem.

As mentioned earlier, due to their work environment pilots oftentimes spend time in cramped cockpits. It’s not really that bad at first, however if you are travelling in distant location you will mostly be spending a considerable amount of hours or even an entire day in the cockpit. This results to the development of a lot of neck and back problems that are simply too hard to ignore. This contributes in killing the overall enjoyment experience with regards to flying. It is good to hear however, many pilots were able to fly much straighter with timely and effective help found through chiropractic & physiotherapeutic treatments found today. This in turn allows them get back in shape right away.

Chiropractic medicine focuses on treating health problems that affect the nerves, muscles, bones, and joints of the body. For pilots, these are usually the areas of their body where they will be experiencing the most pains. Chiropractors are the ones who will be diagnosing, treating and as well as preventing mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system. They also look into the effect of these disorders on the function of the nervous system and general health. Relieving pain, increasing mobility and getting their patients back to full health and movement is what they are aiming on accomplishing.

Physiotherapeutic treatments function mostly the same making them easy to relate chiropractic practice within them. It is considered as a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialty that remediates impairments and promotes mobility, function, and quality of life through examination, diagnosis, prognosis, and physical intervention. These individuals have been trained in the use of exercise therapy to strengthen their patient’s muscles as well as improve their function.

Another advantage chiropractic & physiotherapeutic treatments offer when compared to other options is with regards to their approach to non-invasive procedures. Patients will not be required to go through intensive major surgical operations just to treat their neck or back problems. Practitioners focus on natural ways of treating their patients helping speed up the overall healing process. As a result, patients need not to go through extra trouble while at the same time benefit greatly from the risk free treatment solutions they provide.

It is good to hear that pilots are able to find timely and effective treatment options through the practice of chiropractic & physiotherapy. Furthermore, these types of clinics have become more and more accessible which makes it possible for just about anyone to make use of their treatment procedures. You can go here to give yourself an overview on what to expect with regards to chiropractic & physiotherapeutic treatments.

Paraplegics Flying High: Disabled Pilots in Our Skies

News

Despite their physical incapacities, people with disabilities (PWDs) are striving to live their lives just as any abled person would. They play sports and inspire other people. But who would have thought that they can literally fly high?

PWDs are given an opportunity to become pilots through the Able Flight Scholarship. This is among the disabled services and programs intended to support people who are physically unable to do such things. Among the people who received this scholarship were Jessica Cox, Brandy Hofstetter, Jason Jernigan and Raymart Tinio.

Cox acquired her pilot certificate in 2008. She became the first licensed pilot who can fly with her two feet through the Able Flight Scholarship. Just like Cox, Hofstetter’s situation did not define her life. She was only 17 months-old when she was involved in a car accident. Instead of living a miserable life, she pursued to achieve great things. One of which is becoming a licensed pilot, thanks to Able Flight.

Jernigan and Tinio’s situation is quite different from Cox and Hofstetter. Both men were born deaf. This makes it nearly impossible for them to fly an aircraft. With the help of Able Flight, they both became licensed pilots.

Other Paraplegic Pilots

In 2010, CNN reported a paraplegic pilot’s attempt to fly from England to the Down Under on his own. This meant crossing 18 countries using a “microlight, ultra lightweight airplane.” According to BBC, it took David Syke more than three months to complete his journey. This amazing endeavor was part of Syke’s fund raising effort for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

His feat did not stop from there. Just last year, he left for North Pole in his microlight airplane. Despite his injury on his right hand, Syke was determined to set out a 5,000-mile solo journey crossing the Arctic Ocean. From Denmark, he flew to Sweden and headed to the north of Norway. From there, he traversed the Barents Sea then made his way to Svalbard. He passed over nothing but a 500-mile body of water before reaching the Polar ice cap.

Dorine Bourneton was also the first paraplegic pilot to join the Paris Flying Display. According to ainonline.com, Bourneton participated in the aerial exhibition using a modified Mudry CAP 10 light aerobatic aircraft.

Flying Fast and Free: New Aerospace Materials

News

On the Februrary 2002 issue of Ingenia Online, the possibility of creating a faster and larger aircraft was discussed. More than a decade later, the pursuit for faster aircrafts still continues. Through the recent aerospace technology and materials, it is more than possible to develop super fast planes. It is like betting on a sure thing.

Nanostructured Ceramics

According to MIT Technology Review, nanostructured ceramics might be the future of lighter, faster and stronger airplanes. These engineered ceramics are composed of nanoscale criss-cross struts, which is akin to the Eiffel Tower. Researchers regard these nanostructured ceramics as “the strongest and lightest substances ever made.”

Lightweight Aircraft Means Faster?

Technological advancements have allowed engineers to operate wing flaps using lightweight electrical systems. You don’t have to be super smart to know that light materials travel faster and smoother compared with heavy materials.

A study conducted by the Flight Sciences International showed that fuselage-insulation blanketing sucks up humidity. In time, they get a bit weighty.

In an effort to decrease the weight of its carriers, Jetstar airways replaced their in-flight entertainment kits with Apple’s iPads.

Hypersonic Passenger Plane

The Daily Mail Online reported that in 2030, passengers can travel from London to Sydney in a little under 90 minutes. More so, flying to the United States from Europe will only take an hour or so.

After receiving the funding, the development of hypersonic SpaceLiner has now the green light. The aircraft will have two-stage, fully reusable system. It will also be powered by environment-friendly materials — liquid hydrogen and oxygen. The SpaceLiner’s engine will also be able to accelerate “more than 20 times the speed of sound in less than 10 minutes”, Daily Mail Online reported.

Supersonic Boom Aircraft

According to Dezeen, supersonic speed planes or Boom planes can “travel 2.6 times faster than any other aircraft.” This can be done using “lightweight carbon-fiber composites, propulsion systems and airframe materials” as detailed on the company’ website.

Based on an article from The Guardian, Boom planes were not the first supersonic planes to be the talk of the town. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) also had the same conceptual design, which will be more hushed when landing.