After receiving initial FAA certification in March of a system combining satellite-based communications with helicopter health and usage monitoring systems (HUMS), Honeywell aims to evolve the capability for inflight broadband connectivity on passenger airliners. (Photo: Inmarsat)

The power of carbon fiber is bringing engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce back to composites more than four decades after it learned one of the harshest lessons in aerospace about the risks in being first with a new technology.

Avic commercial arm plots its course in global aerospace manufacturing

When Innovative Solutions and Support signed on with Eclipse Aviation in 2007 to replace the original semi-completed cockpit in the Eclipse 500 very light jet, the primary means of navigation and weather for many pilots in the nascent fleet was a Garmin GPS496 portable on the dashboard.

Talk of composites tends to focus on the materials in the forms used by aircraft manufacturers—tows, tapes and fabrics. But work is underway to reduce the cost and improve the performance of composite structures by looking at the carbon fibers that give the material its strength and stiffness.

When George W. Bush's administration approved a proposal in 2005 by a Dubai ruling family-owned company for an acquisition that would have given Dubai Ports World control over shipping operations at six major U.S. ports, the American public and Congress rightly raised sharp concern that the U.S. government had failed to recognize the national security risks. Ultimately, public opposition sank the deal. Now, it appears that the Obama administration is poised to make a similar misjudgment. This time, the U.S.

Bombardier gains flexibility from infusion composite technology

Structure proved resilient, other systems did not work as planned