Innovative technologies take flight – developments in avionics
Avionics have been instrumental in establishing modern aviation. Since the term – a portmanteau of “aviation electronics” – was coined in the late 1940s, avionics have greatly improved the safety, efficiency and overall performance of aircraft. Although innovations within avionics may not be as visible to the public as new airframes or propulsion systems, these ‘under the hood’ systems are no less important.
The term ‘avionics’ encompasses a huge array of electronic systems used in aircraft, from navigation and communication to flight management and cockpit displays. Accordingly, many different research areas impact developments within this field. For example, advances in electronics have driven the miniaturisation of components and improved sensing capability; digital processing techniques have provided greater situational awareness and automation capabilities for pilots; and developments in communications and networking solutions have enabled greater interoperability within the aerospace environment.
Given its breadth, avionics provides an interesting confluence of many different innovations. Below, we explore a few examples of how the industry is making the most of these new technologies.
Enhanced Vision Systems (EVS)
EVS is itself a wide-ranging technology area, but generally involves using additional imaging sensors (e.g., infrared, lidar or millimetre wave sensors) to ascertain information regarding the aircraft’s surroundings and providing this to the pilot (e.g., via head-up display (HUD) or a head-mounted display (HMD)).
From rudimental night vision capabilities developed for military use, EVS capability has improved significantly in recent years. Commercial EVS products are already on the market, where they are typically used for private/business jet purposes. More widespread adoption is expected in the commercial airliner market as these systems become more commonplace and cost effective.
Evidently, the use of EVS has the potential to greatly improve the safety of aircraft; pilots may be provided additional information not available to them when relying on conventional vision alone. But such systems can also provide greater operational efficiency advantages. EVS products allow for take‑off and landing in lower visibility conditions, which can reduce delays and diversions caused by bad weather.
But the greatest benefits of EVS may yet to be realised, as imaging and display technologies have the potential to open up entirely new aviation solutions. In January 2024, NASA and Lockheed Martin showcased their X-59 Quest aircraft, a supersonic jet that attempts to significantly reduce the shockwaves generated by sonic booms. A major aspect of this aircraft’s design is the complete lack of a forward‑facing cockpit window, which enables the X-59 to have a highly elongated nosecone. Instead, pilots rely entirely on the electronic eXternal Vision System for visibility. The fact that an EVS may be crucial to reinvigorating supersonic flight exemplifies how promising this technology area can be.
Internet of Things (IoT)
IoT developments – generally the networking of interconnected devices to collect and analyse data – is another area of interest that could drastically change the aviation industry. Greater interconnectivity between systems at all levels (both between the various systems on an aircraft and between different aircraft and ground-based system) can provide substantial benefits to all involved.
In the military arena, modern aircraft have seen an increased emphasis on sharing digital resources between assets, with the Lockheed Martin F‑35 aircraft already having substantial data‑sharing and communication capabilities. This is set to only increase going forward, with Lockheed Martin announcing plans to enable interoperability between F-35s and swarms of unmanned drones, allowing pilots to control the later from the F-35 cockpit, thereby enabling them to collect further data, target multiple adversaries or draw fire.
IoT‑capable avionics also pose significant prospects for the commercial aviation sector. The latest commercial aircraft (e.g., the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the Airbus A350) include an extensive array of sensors incorporated into just about every system on the aircraft. The additional information generated by these sensors can be used to inform flight operations or predict maintenance requirements more accurately than conventional estimates.
Although IoT adoption has been slower in aerospace compared to other sectors, largely due to regulatory requirements and the safety-critical nature of aircraft systems, there is expected to be tremendous growth in the coming years. The market is forecast to reach $6.40B by 2029, with a growth rate of 19.2%.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI has become the go-to technology buzzword in recent years, and avionics is not exempt from this trend. In combination with the greater sensor data available for new platforms, AI can be used to optimise operational characteristics of modern aircraft. An example of this is the SITA OptiClimb® software, which aims to enhance climb parameters to reduce fuel burn. By using machine learning models to build a predictive performance model and analysing up-to-date weather data, the software is able to devise optimised aircraft speeds and climb rates. By varying these parameters, SITA claim that fuel consumption can be reduced by 5%.
Again, regulatory restrictions mean that any adoption of AI will likely be gradual. But the industry is already anticipating AI being used to actively control aircraft, thereby enabling greater levels of autonomous flight. Earlier this year, The US Air Force demonstrated for the first time a successful engagement of an AI-controlled aircraft against a human piloted fighter in a simulated dogfight.
Flying smarter
Clearly the potential advances in avionics are significant. By utilising cutting-edge technologies and applying them to aviation in a robust and reliable way, we can expect avionics to drive the aviation sector to new heights.
Technological developments like those discussed above promise to deliver safer, more reliable and more efficient aircraft. With commercial traffic expected to more than double over the next 20 years, modern avionics may ensure that airlines’ operations can keep up with this demand. Additionally, as future climate change goals draw nearer, developments in avionics may go some way to providing environmentally friendly air travel.
Barker Brettell has a dedicated aerospace group that can help you commercialise your innovations. Our patent attorneys possess knowledge and experience across the entire range of technologies utilised within avionics, from computer-implemented inventions and electronics to materials science and mechanical engineering.
