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Manufacturing & Prototyping

Army Advances Additive Manufacturing From Experimental Tech to Enterprise Sustainment Tool

The U.S. Army’s adoption of additive manufacturing took another major step forward in March with the opening of a new “Additive Makerspace” at...

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Manufacturing & Prototyping

Gore Challenges Wet Sealing with Dry Sealant for Permanent Aircraft Structures

For decades, wet sealing has been accepted as a necessary constraint in aerostructure manufacturing, despite its impact on throughput, variability and necessary...

Articles

Robotics, Automation & Control

High-Speed Spindles Unlock Five-Axis Machining Innovation with Smaller Tools

For any shop working in aerospace, defense, electronics, or mold-making, especially those handling small diameter tooling, tight tolerances, or exotic materials, the case for high-speed spindle upgrades is increasingly clear. Read on to learn more.

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Aerospace

Active Strake System Cuts Cruise Drag, Boosts Flight Efficiency

For decades, aircraft have carried a fundamental compromise between their engines and wing flow interactions by using strakes. These are small fins attached at the sides of...

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Manufacturing & Prototyping

Breakthroughs in Testing Solid-Fuel Ramjets Advance Research

Scientists at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory are developing the next generation of solid-fuel ramjet (SFRJ) propulsion, addressing one of the field’s most persistent...

Articles

Materials

Aerospace Aluminum Laser Welding: Advancing Material Performance for the Future of Flight

Together, microsecond pulsing, alloy-specific pulse shaping, core-and-ring beam modulation, and controlled oscillation provide far greater precision than CW welding. Read on to learn how.

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Mechanical & Fluid Systems

The Critical Impact Of SAE Aerospace Standards: Certified AS1895/7 and /23 Metal Seals

In an industry where failure is not an option and precision is paramount, aerospace manufacturers and suppliers are constantly seeking components and...

Articles

Materials

High-Flying Output: Key Machining Techniques for Structural Aircraft Components

Structural aircraft components and the methods for making them have changed significantly, driven by advancements in technology and new demands in the industry. Aerospace assemblies are becoming lighter and more complex, while every aspect of how these components are designed and made is evolving. Read on to learn more.

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Manned Systems

Stevens Researchers Test Morkovin's Hypothesis for Major Hypersonic Flight Breakthrough

If it were to become a reality, hypersonic flight, long the realm of science fiction, could revolutionize global travel, transforming day-long...

Podcasts

Energy

The Hidden Heroes of Hydrogen Flight: Sealing and Materials

In this sponsored episode of the Aerospace & Defense Technology podcast, Margaux Ningre-Coirier, Aerospace Sales and Market Development Manager at Omniseal Solutions, is the guest to analyze how advanced sealing solutions are becoming the hidden enablers of safe, efficient hydrogen-powered advanced air mobility (AAM). Listen now!

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Manned Systems

A New Solid Rocket Motor Facility for Lockheed Martin and Raytheon

Avio, the Italian space propulsion manufacturer, recently announced separate deals with Lockheed Martin and Raytheon to establish a new solid rocket motor (SRM) production...

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Mechanical & Fluid Systems

GKN Expands Production Line for Additive Fabrication of A220 Engine Component

GKN Aerospace announced the expansion of its Newington, Connecticut facility, bringing a new production line dedicated to additive fabrication of the Fan Case...

Articles

Test & Measurement

Redefining Modern US Navy Shipbuilding with Additive Manufacturing

For suppliers, embracing AM isn’t just about swapping out tools; it’s about rethinking the entire design process. Working to understand and prepare for AM-driven design and qualification changes is necessary to remain competitive in future U.S. Navy shipbuilding programs. This article will explain how new standards are driving qualification, supporting U.S. Navy construction goals and fleet readiness.

Briefs

Mechanical & Fluid Systems

A Twist in Topology Optimization Leads to High-Performing Heat Exchanger

By combining topology optimization and additive manufacturing, a team of University of Wisconsin-Madison engineers created a twisty high-temperature heat exchanger that outperformed a traditional straight channel design in heat transfer, power density and effectiveness. Read on to learn more.

Articles

Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Manufacturing Spotlight: Advanced Drilling, Threading and Milling Tools Maximize Productivity in Challenging Aerospace Materials

Before threading holes, drilling is a necessary and critical step. Drilling challenging aerospace materials demands an application-specific solution. Stainless, titanium, and nickel- based alloys are highly heat resistant so heat generated during the drilling process is pushed into the cutter. Read on to learn more.

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Defense

Startup Develops Manufacturing Breakthrough for Traveling-Wave Tubes

Traveling-wave tubes (TWTs) are a type of vacuum tube critical for many high-performance applications, including deep space missions, satellites, and electronic warfare....

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Aerospace

New Commercial Drones and Components Added to Blue UAS Framework

After three days of flight demonstrations at the Blue UAS Challenge at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center 29 Palms, Service evaluators selected 23 platforms and 14 unique...

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Manufacturing & Prototyping

3D Printing Parts for Ships, Submarines and Underwater Vehicles

Additive manufacturing has been a game-changer in helping to create parts and equipment for the Department of Defense’s (DoD's) industrial base. A naval facility in...

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Test & Measurement

Can Microvanes Improve Fuel Efficiency for Legacy Air Force Aircraft?

Air Force Operational Energy and Air Mobility Command are entering the final phase of evaluation for Microvane drag reduction technology on the C-17 Globemaster III....

Articles

Manufacturing & Prototyping

Manufacturing Spotlight: Machining Complex Parts and Materials for Space Flight and Exploration

This is the first article in a new section of Aerospace & Defense Technology called “Manufacturing Spotlight,” where we will cover some of the latest machines, tools, and other technologies being used by aerospace and defense industry design and manufacturing engineers. The first topic in this new section is “Machines,” specifically the computer numerical control machines. Read on to learn more.

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Manufacturing & Prototyping

How the Navy is Using Additive Manufacturing to Protect Submarine Hatch Bolts

Commander, Submarine Forces is researching the usage of additive manufacturing (AM) technology to address operational needs, in collaboration with midshipmen from...

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Aerospace

Navy Uses Stratasys F-900 to 3D Print F/A-18 Jet’s Button Plug

The U.S. Navy's Fleet Readiness Center Southwest (FRCSW) is leveraging advanced 3D printing technology to address supply chain delays and improve fleet readiness. The...

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Weapons Systems

Army Receives New Robot Combat Vehicle Prototypes

Three of the four defense industry teams selected to submit test vehicles for the U.S. Army's Robotic Combat Vehicle competition have completed deliveries of their prototypes since August,...

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Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Rheinmetall, HDT to Develop Army's Small Multipurpose Equipment Transport Prototypes

On Sept. 24, the U.S. Army announced the award of two Other Transaction Authority Engineering and Manufacturing Design contracts to American Rheinmetall...

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Design

Army Evaluates 3D Printing for Bradley Fighting Vehicle's Transmission Mount

SPEE3D, an Melbourne, Australia-based supplier of additive manufacturing technology successfully participated in the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development...

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Aerospace

Are Boeing 737 Rudder Control Systems at Risk of Malfunctioning?

The National Transportation Safety Board on Sept. 26 issued urgent safety recommendations to The Boeing Company and the Federal Aviation Administration in response to the...

Articles

Materials

Making the Rounds in Aerospace: Tooling and Techniques for Discs, Blisks and Rings

Aerospace engine components like discs, blisks and rings are engineered to perform in extreme operating environments. They need to withstand intense heat and stress and be as lightweight as possible to meet exacting specifications. Read on to learn more about these components.

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Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Designing Next-Generation Carbon Dioxide Removal Technology for Better Life in Space

The International Space Station (ISS) is made livable in great part thanks to a system that captures and removes carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air. The...

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Materials

Is the Department of Defense Stockpiling Enough Critical Materials?

The Department of Defense (DoD) maintains the National Defense Stockpile to store materials that are strategic and critical to defense and essential civilian needs in times...