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The Way to What’s Next

FROM THE FIRST FLIGHT THROUGH THE AIR TO THE FIRST STEPS ON THE MOON, THE AEROSPACE AND DEFENSE INDUSTRY HAS TRANSFORMED THE WAY WE LIVE, CONNECT AND EXPLORE.

TODAY, IT CONTINUES TO MOVE THE MODERN WORLD AROUND US, IMPROVING OUR DAILY LIVES AND SHAPING OUR FUTURE—OFTEN IN SURPRISING WAYS. READY TO SEE HOW?

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Life of LIDAR

Life of LIDAR

Where does LIDAR—one of the key technologies fueling self-driving cars—come from? Take a look.

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Life of LIDAR

Pioneered by A&D, LIDAR measures the distance to an object by illuminating it with a laser light.

1971

Apollo 15 uses the first LIDAR to take thousands of measurements of the moon’s surface.

1995

The first commercial application of LIDAR maps coastal vegetation growth on Assateague Island.

2005

The first automotive application is mounted to a car roof during the 2005 Grand DARPA Challenge.

The Future

LIDAR will evolve to deliver highly detailed 3D real-time data in fully autonomous vehicles.

From the Moon to Modern Medicine

From the Moon to Modern Medicine

Every day, hospitals across the country use digital imaging technologies to diagnose medical conditions. Those technologies come from A&D.

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From the Moon to Modern Medicine

Digital Imaging
CT Scan
MRI

Digital Image Processing

In the mid 1960’s, NASA and the A&D industry developed the technology to enhance images of the moon ahead of the Apollo missions.

The CT Scan

Introduced in the 1970’s, the computed tomography scan leverages digital imaging technologies to produce cross-sectional images of an object, allowing medical professionals to “see inside” without an incision.

The MRI

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) leverages digital imaging techniques to form anatomical images, map physiological processes and save lives.

From Space-Grade to First Aid

From Space-Grade to First Aid

You’ve seen space blankets at finish lines and camping grounds. Learn how A&D made them possible.

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From Space-Grade to First Aid

Space Blanket

A low-weight, low-bulk blanket made of heat-reflective thin plastic sheeting.

Then:

Developed by NASA and the A&D industry in 1964 for use on the exterior surfaces of spacecraft.

Now:

Commonly found in first aid kits and camping equipment, space blankets reflect 97% of the body heat that would otherwise escape through thermal radiation, water evaporation, or convection.

The Way to Innovate

The Way to Innovate

Learn how technologies developed for the Apollo program made their way into our daily lives.

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The Way to Innovate

The Way to Discover

The Way to Discover

Learn how A&D gave us a glimpse at our solar system’s origin.

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The Way to Discover

The Way to Heal

The Way to Heal

Learn how A&D supports healthcare advances that will change everything.

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Robots to the Rescue

Robots to the Rescue

Unmanned vehicles powered by A&D innovation have become critical tools for firefighters and rescue workers. Learn how.

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Robots to the Rescue

From assessing damage to helping firefighters and rescue workers save lives, robots are playing an increasingly critical role in disaster management. Descendants of A&D innovation, these unmanned vehicles can be deployed to fly, tunnel, swim and crawl into places people can’t—or shouldn’t—go, providing invaluable aid to victims and protection for rescue teams.

Additionally, the rapid speed at which they can be deployed significantly accelerates the long-term recovery process, helping communities get back on their feet up to three years faster.

From Aircraft to Automobiles

From Aircraft to Automobiles

How has A&D made it safer to put the brakes on? Find out now.

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From Aircraft to Automobiles

disc Brakes

A brake that uses calipers to squeeze pairs of pads against a disc or “rotor” to create friction.

Then:

Perfected for use in high-performance military aircraft like fighters and bombers during World War II.

Now:

Their ability to provide greater friction area in a small volume propelled disc brakes into the mainstream automobile market in the 1950s.

Going Deeper with Data

Going Deeper with Data

The A&D technology that fuels Geographic Information Systems has made it possible to better predict and manage disasters. Learn how.

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Going Deeper with Data

Pioneered by the aerospace & defense industry, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) overlay multiple layers of (seemingly unrelated) data into a single map, making it possible to visualize spatial patterns and relationships.

These insights are critical to identifying areas and communities vulnerable to hazards and natural disasters, which is the first step in improving disaster mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery.

The Way to Smarter Homes

The Way to Smarter Homes

Learn how the A&D innovation fueling the Internet of Things is connecting our homes in ways never before thought possible.

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The Way to Smarter Homes

The Way to Better Biometrics

The Way to Better Biometrics

Learn how A&D technologies are shaping the future of biometrics.

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The Way to Better Biometrics

The Way to Stronger Cyber

The Way to Stronger Cyber

Learn how deep learning technology pioneered by A&D is making it easier to identify and combat cyber attacks.

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The Way to Stronger Cyber

How VR Got Off the Ground

How VR Got Off the Ground

How did VR get from fighter jet cockpits to living rooms across the globe?

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How VR Got Off the Ground

1966

VR visionary Tom Furness begins creating helmet-mounted displays to help Air Force pilots better navigate complex fighter jet technologies.

1971

Tom helps create the first Visually Coupled Airborne Systems Simulator to give pilots a virtual view of system displays that won’t physically fit into limited cockpit space.

1986

Tom directs the Air Force’s Super Cockpit program, enabling data to be projected in real-time into a 3D virtual space—and allowing pilots to control aircraft with gestures, utterances and eye movements.

2015

Tom co-founds the Virtual World Society, extending VR’s application to the sciences, education and the arts.

A Bright Future for Weather Prediction

A Bright Future for Weather Prediction

Advances in AI have paved the way to faster, smarter weather prediction made possible by A&D technology.

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A Bright Future for Weather Prediction

In 2017, commercial airplanes equipped with TAMDAR (Tropospheric Airborne Meteorological Data Report) specialty weather sensors transmitted data from thousands of flights to a global forecasting platform. That platform generated the most accurate predictions for Hurricane Irma’s path—four to seven days in advance.

For forecasters, this kind of success is just the beginning. As AI techniques let us compare past predictions with actual outcomes, our weather prediction models will be able to forecast further into the future and with greater accuracy. That’s extra time and better information that helps communities prepare, gets families to shelters and saves lives.

New Tech on the Tarmac

New Tech on the Tarmac

Tomorrow’s airplanes will be transformed by technologies fueled by A&D innovation. Learn how.

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New Tech on the Tarmac

Virtual Reality
Additive Manufacturing
AI-Powered Systems

Smart manufacturing, advanced materials and AI-based designs are driving the future of flight. They will enable everything from panoramic views of the sky to onboard gesture recognition to smaller, lighter aircraft that change how we think about air travel.

Virtual reality

Virtual reality interiors will enhance in-flight experience, while also lowering costs and weight with state-of-the-art design.

Additive manufacturing

Additive manufacturing technologies that employ new materials will deliver complex lightweight components that support intricate design.

AI-powered systems

AI-powered systems will assess millions of design solutions to find one that optimizes cost, weight and strength.

The Way to Supersonic Travel

The Way to Supersonic Travel

Learn how A&D is revolutionizing the time it will take to get from Point A to Point B.

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The Way to Supersonic Travel

The Way to The Future of Flight

The Way to The Future of Flight

Learn how A&D’s innovation in unmanned aviation will help hospitals save lives.

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The Way to The Future of Flight

The Way to Advanced GPS

The Way to Advanced GPS

Learn how A&D has made it possible to find your way.

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The Way to Advanced GPS

A Closer Look

Events that shaped the course of history. Scenes from everyday life. Visions of tomorrow. Explore our video gallery to get a better view of Aerospace & Defense—and see how our past, present and future are all powered by the industry’s commitment to innovation.

AIA Centennial

Celebrate 100 years of imagination, innovation and impact with a look at some of our industry’s most remarkable achievements.

Vision 2050

What does the future hold for Aerospace & Defense? See for yourself.

SXSW 2019

Get a glimpse of our maiden voyage to Austin, TX’s tech extravaganza.

Communications

Stay up-to-date on industry news and AIA member buzz. Browse the latest headlines and press releases, follow our blog and get to know the AIA leadership team.

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Events

Competitions and challenges. International air shows. AIA council meetings. Check in to see when and where the next Aerospace & Defense event is taking place.

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