AUGUST 2022AEROSPACEDEFENSEREVIEW.COM8In My OpinionBy Bruno Cervia, VP R&D, Deputy CEO, Pilatus Aircraft LtdHow has the aerospace manufacturing landscape evolved over the last 20 years in light of your experience, and how has the recent COVID-19 pandemic impacted it?When talking about the advancements of the aerospace manufacturing space over the last couple of decades, we can't deny the impact of the automotive industry on the aerospace landscape in terms of innovations. Most of the advancements in today's aerospace sector are indeed inspired by how the automotive industry has implemented technological developments and streamlined its production processes.If we take the past decade into account, we can see that automation technology has been massively dominating the aerospace industry. During the earlier stage of its adoption, automation was limited to only specific processes like CAD modelling, where the aircraft designing was carried out more efficiently. But now, almost every engineering process in the industry is being automated. The digital twin allows faster development cycles. In addition, the production of CNC (computer numerical control, i.e., the automated control of machining tools using a computer) machining for the manufacturing of aircraft parts. 3D printing is another technology that has been further augmenting the CNC machining processes and allowed rapid prototyping. We know that in the CNC machine process, precision is of high importance. Technologies like automation and 3D printing ensure precision and significantly accelerate the production cycle of the manufacturing process.Overall, I would say all these modern technologies, including automation and 3D printing, are helping the aerospace sector to reduce errors, reduce production time and costs, and improve efficiency.Now, let's talk about the supply chain side of this industry. There have been immense developments where technological adoptions are offering better ways to improve supply chain efficiency. FUTURE OF DIGITALISED AEROSPACE INDUSTRY Bruno Cervia
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