This month, the UK successfully tested “ground-breaking” quantum technology aimed at creating an unjammable back-up for GPS navigation systems.
Although the technology’s “practical implementation” in commercial aviation is still estimated to be 10-20 years away in the UK, this test signals a key milestone for quantum enabled navigation systems.
The research has received nearly £8m in funding from the UK government who are pushing to be seen as a world leader on quantum, and is the “first test of this type of technology in the UK on an aircraft in flight.”
Accordingly to the government press release, the test is part of a project funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) specifically focusing on creating quantum sensors to address the UK’s heavy reliance on GNSS/GPS for location, navigation, and timing data.
“From passenger flights to shipping, we all depend on navigation systems that are accurate, safe and secure. The scientific research we are supporting here on quantum technology could well provide the resilience to protect our interests.”
The flight tests involved Infleqtion, a quantum information company, and aerospace companies BAE Systems and QinetiQ. The two tests showed the technology offers “exceptional accuracy, and resilience, independent of traditional satellite navigation using GPS.”
Roger McKinlay, Challenge Director Quantum Technologies at Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), said:
“Modern infrastructure is increasingly dependent on highly accurate timing and navigation derived from satellite signals. These flight tests mark the culmination of two excellent projects which Infleqtion has had the vision to create and the deftness in leadership to execute with an outstanding team of collaborators.”
For many years, the industry has been experimenting with automation. Enhancing safety, efficiency, and accuracy, automation is now a key aspect of modern aviation.
One project using artificial intelligence (AI) to facilitate single-pilot operations is the Honeywell-led Digital Assistants for Reducing Workload & Increasing collaboration (DARWIN) project under the European Union’s SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking.
The project gathers together industry technology providers, aircraft OEMs, leading research institutes, air navigation service providers, and key European institutions and regulatory bodies to research a human-AI collaboration system, “defining clear roles and responsibilities.”
As technology develops, these systems are becoming increasingly advanced and although the vision is for AI and a single pilot to work together, it is clear that the human pilot will remain the ultimate decision-maker.
Jolana Dvorska, Senior Research & Development Manager and Architect for SESAR, Honeywell Aerospace explained the projects’ forward-looking mission:
“A need for higher autonomy requires digital transformation. For both, we need to build trust in AI-based solutions. DARWIN will develop a scalable human-AI collaboration concept that can gradually introduce new functions and pilot assistants, in line with the EASA AI Roadmap.”
At Aerospace Tech Week, 17-18th April, MOC – Event Center Messe Munchen, Munich, Jolana Dvorska will speaking on the SESAR DARWIN project. Talking through the development of scalable human-AI collaborative systems for advanced single-pilot operations. Book your ticket now to hear more.
According to McKinsey, intelligent computers are to the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0), what steam was to the first. Powered by disruptive technology, machine learning (ML), artificial intelligence (AI), and data analytics, Industry 4.0 is characterised by the merging of the digital and physical worlds.
“A technology based on the concept of creating a virtual replica or representation of a physical object, process, or system. It is fed with real-time or historical data, then this data is analysed through machine learning algorithms to run simulations of different environments to understand how a system is going to behave, the results of this simulations are shown in dashboards, reports or visualization tools, and decisions can be made based on that information.”
The application of this technology at Rolls-Royce demonstrates its various benefits to the industry. Here’s how it works with engines:
Our Engineers create a Digital Twin of an engine, which is a precise virtual copy of the real-world product. They then install on-board sensors and satellite connectivity on the physical engine to collect data, which is continuously relayed back to its Digital Twin in real time. The twin then operates in the virtual world as the physical engine would on-wing and will determine how the engine is operating and predict when it may need maintenance. This also allows us to enact preventative engine maintenance, which can greatly reduce aircraft downtime and, in turn, enhance reliability.
Just some of the key benefits include:
Accuracy – The model accurately reflects the condition of using real-time data, continuously learning and updating itself to reflect the real-life operating conditions.
Reliability – Any problems are flagged earlier which minimises disruption.
Testing – Using the digital copy, a larger number of potential circumstances can be tested than with physical tests, allowing engineers to simulate extreme conditions to better understand behaviours. Can also predict how engines will be operated by different airlines in a range of geographic regions to better understand the engine’s performance across the course of its lifetime.
Endurance – Lengthens the time between services, increasing the engine’s time on wing, in some cases the TOW for critical parts has been extended by over 70 per cent.
Planning – Maintenance can be optimised and planned accurately with up-to-date knowledge of how the engine is performing and when it will need attention.
At ATW Europe, Adam Harris, Global Chief of Testing Facilities, Rolls Royce will be speaking on innovation and testing environment, unpacking advanced testing activities for sustainable aviation. Book your ticket now to avoid missing out!
The next revolution in aviation is on the horizon.
After powered flight and the jet aircraft, today high automation, autonomy, and electric propulsion give rise to the Jetsons, where humans and goods are zipped across urban skies in flying cars. Realizing advanced air mobility requires enabling technologies that are yet to be fully demonstrated, including avionics systems that are robust enough to operate as situationally-aware pilots, both in the presence and absence of human operators. Daedalean, in partnership with Intel, is inventing the foundational technologies that are driving progress toward autonomy. In doing so, Daedalean and Intel, together, are bridging the gap between the aerospace and defense (A&D) industry and the field of artificial intelligence (AI), starting with reengineering the airborne electronic systems that provide intelligence in the cockpit. The following paper has been written in a collaboration between Intel and Daedalean.
EUROCAE, the European Organisation for Civil Aviation Equipment, plays a pivotal role in advancing the aviation industry through its range of standards. The non-profit organisation brings together manufacturers, operators, regulators, and other aviation stakeholders to develop and promote standards for aviation equipment and related systems.
In this brief interview, Anna von Groote, Director General explains EUROCAE’s critical role in driving aviation standards, unpacking how the organisation takes a collaborative and proactive approach to emerging challenges including the safe integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning.
At Aerospace Tech Week, 17-18th April, MOC – Event Center Messe Munchen, Munich, Anna von Groote will be speaking on the importance of standardisation in AI for aviation safety and efficiency. Book your ticket here.
Watch the full interview below to hear EUROCAE’s Director General speak on the following:
Can you explain how EUROCAE helps with driving the standard for aviation?
How does EUROCAE address emerging challenges and technologies in the sector?
With AI set to change the future of the industry, how are you approaching the subject and why is it so important to standardize?
The highly anticipated Aerospace Tech Week agenda has finally arrived, promising an in-depth exploration of cutting-edge technology and innovation. With keynote interviews and panels featuring IATA’s Director General, Willie Walsh, Airbus’ Head of Disruptive R&T, Senior Vice President, Grzegorz Ombach, and many more, this is an opportunity to hear directly from industry leaders and gain insights into the future direction of aerospace technology.
This event spans five key areas: Avionics, Aerospace testing, Connectivity, MRO IT, Flight Ops IT.
AVIONICS
Looking at the advancements and trends in avionics technology, this track discusses updates to mandates and regulatory framework, unpacks the next generation of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), maps the role of AI, and features the development of cutting edge systems. Key speakers include Anna von Groote, Director General, EUROCAE and Ahmad Bakker, Strategy & Innovation Lead, Rotterdam the Hague Airport, Royal Schiphol Group.
AEROSPACE TESTING
Covering advancements in testing technologies, this section looks at digital twinning and virtual testing as well as innovation in the testing environment. It also covers high-level integration and testing, complex and embedded systems. Spanning various testing methodologies this track includes conversations with Adam Harris, Global Chief of Testing Facilities, Rolls Royce and Asteris Apostolidis, Technical Innovation Lead for BlueLabs, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.
CONNECTIVITY
Exploring the increasing value of the hyperconnected airspace, this track unpacks aircraft data management and cybersecurity, and data exchange technologies for the connected and integrated ATM. The Connectivity sessions cover the ever evolving cybersecurity threat and how to navigate it, the practical implications of 5G, and the harmonisation of the data communication landscape. Key speakers include Anna Guégan, Senior Technical Programme Manager, EUROCAE, and Bruno Tomas, CTO, Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA).
MRO IT
Focused on the digitalisation and optimisation of maintenance, repair, and overhaul process, this track delves into AI, machine learning, and autonomy in data and analytics as well as innovation and integrating new technologies. Here, conversation spans The Cloud, use of drones in maintenance, predictive analysis, and the transition to paperless. Featured speakers include Marcos Melchiori, Senior, MRO Manager, LATAM sharing the cost and time benefits gained from integrating drones into maintenance.
FLIGHT OPS IT
Addressing the optimisation and efficiency of flight operations through technology, this section looks at sustainable and innovative flight ops, predictive ops and real-time data, as well as the growing role of AI/ML in enhancing efficiency. The sessions also touches on optimisation for sustainability and a range of future developments in flight ops IT. Key speakers include Diederik-Jan Bos, Head of IOCC, SunExpress and Viktorija Diestelkamp, Head of Data and Analytics, British Airways.
Aerospace Tech Week evolved significantly since its Avionics origins in 2001, attracting leading airlines and key ecosystem players. On the 17-18th April, the event is bringing 2,000 airline executives, aircraft makers and their partners together in Munich for two days of networking, conference content, and receptions. View the full agenda here or get your ticket.
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