The aviation industry in and of itself is one of the greatest innovations in American history. We don’t often think about it, but just being able to fly heavy machinery thousands of feet up in the air is truly an astounding thing. Since the Wright brothers’ first flight, the industry has come a long way in the realm of technology, resulting in safer and more effective machines. To see just how far we’ve come, check out the following latest innovations in the field.

1. The Double-Decker Plane

Offering efficiency for time, money and energy, the Airbus Industry’s A380 features a double decker-inspired structure designed to carry close to 600 travelers at a time. This unique and innovative construction is intended to more quickly deliver travelers to certain frequently traveled routes, thus increasing the overall efficiency of the industry. Most double-decker planes feature two stories connected by stairs and a more spacious environment to make traveling both more efficient and more comfortable.

2. Power Management Integrated Circuits

Winner of Aviation Week’s 2012 Innovation Challenge, PacketDigital LLC recently introduced new devices called Power Management Integrated Circuits. These circuits are built smarter, so they measure and analyze the activity in electronics and determine whether the circuit is being overworked or underworked depending on the energy need. With dynamic voltage scaling, the circuits successfully improve performance, reduce heat and maximize battery life.

3. Eternal Planes

There’s no pilot needed for a new innovation known as “eternal planes,” which are run by computers and software to autonomously fly planes up to 80,000 feet in the air without having to worry about human discomfort at this extreme height. Upon reaching their cruising altitudes, eternal planes can act as communication devices by sending radio, television and Internet signals down to a large land area below. The unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are also beneficial to law enforcement since they offer the potential for more effective air patrols.

4. REDDEX

Discovered by the Industrial Technology Research Institute, REDDEX features a mixture of urethane-based materials and alumni-trihydrate. These two components work together to stick to the aircraft, forming a foam-like material that offers protection from fire, gas and smoke damage. Although it may not be entirely new technology like the eternal plane, REDDEX effectively promotes a safer environment for various types of aircraft carriers.

5. Spotfacing Tool

Formally referred to as an A320 MLG Actuator Jack In-Situ Boring and Spotfacing Tool, this service product has the potential to save aircraft maintainers an estimated 400 man-hours per aircraft. The tool was created by researchers at Air New Zealand Technical Operations, and is a single, indexable cutting insert that increases the speed and efficiency of engineering aircrafts.

New, exciting technologies like these are being discovered all the time, which accounts for the tremendous progression the aviation industry has made in just over a century. Such innovations benefit more than just this industry alone, but also countless others who rely on air travel and technology to advance their own professional endeavors. An aviation management programwould be the perfect place to learn how to apply these new technologies and develop the skills necessary to create newer and more advanced ideas.

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