commercial aircraft

aerospace industry

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  In aerospace industry: Growth of the aircraft industry

  …percent of the world’s piston-engine commercial aircraft were made in the United States, and 56 percent of that American production was from Douglas. The United States, however, lagged behind Great Britain in understanding the potential of the jet airliner. In 1943 Britain had established the Brabazon Committee to assess the…

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  In aerospace industry: Commercial heavy aircraft

  …transportation has been central to commercial aircraft manufacturing. As one of the world’s most vital industries, airlines are key to many aspects of the world economy, from international business and tourism to routine movement of people and goods ranging from massive machinery to agricultural products and personal items. The United…

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• Europe
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    In aerospace industry: Internationalization

    … (1988), was the first subsonic commercial aircraft to be designed with fly-by-wire (electric rather than mechanical) primary controls and the first commercial aircraft to feature the so-called glass cockpit, which used electronic rather than mechanical displays. Through its innovations and the growing range of aircraft offered, the European consortium became…

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• research and development
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    In aerospace industry: Research

    …improve the all-weather operation of commercial aircraft, enhanced vision systems using video and infrared cameras or millimetre-wave radar are being pursued. Other areas of research include fly-by-light techniques that transmit commands through fibre-optic cables rather than electrically. The demand for longer vehicle lifetimes has made vital the development of nondestructive…

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• upgrades
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    In aerospace industry: Remanufacture and upgrading

    For commercial aircraft the upgrade process is analogous. Here, too, the emphasis is on avionics and engines, especially the latter. These upgrades can prolong the profitable operation of the aircraft or allow it to meet the latest noise and emission regulations.

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