FREMONT, CA: Pilot training and enhanced procedures have significantly improved safety in aviation, but new technologies are driving some of the most notable advancements in safety measures. Many leading organizations are undergoing digital transformations, incorporating big data, AI, and IoT technologies to tackle various challenges. In the aviation industry, similar innovations are anticipated to elevate safety standards further, as these emerging technologies hold the potential to revolutionize how safety is managed and monitored. Combining traditional training and cutting-edge tech is paving the way for a safer flying experience.
Here are five new technologies that will help increase flight safety:
Improved and more widespread radar: While radar has been there for most of the flight's history, there is a lot of innovation going on with weather radar. For example, some radars can detect turbulence up to 60 nautical miles and forecast hail and lightning. The benefits of improved radar technology extend beyond major airliners; it is expected to see in more businesses and general aviation platforms in the future.
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Inertial measurement units: Autonomous flight is on the way, and Urban Air Mobility (UAM) will enable some of these autonomous vehicles to operate in dense urban environments. If an autonomous vehicle is unable to detect its location, it has the potential to endanger persons and property. Hence, safe, autonomous flight will require planes to know their exact position. For this reason, Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) are particularly helpful in providing location data if GPS is inaccessible.
Artificial intelligence (AI): AI is already being used as an analytical approach to generate predictive insights for Connected Aircraft solutions. It's only a matter of time before it enters the cockpit. AI will start as a tool to help pilots with situational awareness or precision control before progressing to a co-pilot position. While it is doubtful that AI will soon replace pilots in the cockpit, it is not far off for entirely autonomous vehicles such as drones.
The connected aircraft: Integrating different products and services into an integrated aircraft will be the technology with the greatest impact on safety. Connected aircraft systems will provide greater information to pilots and operators, enable more efficient maintenance, and capture massive amounts of data that operators may utilize to improve safety. By combining many of today's technologies and incorporating data, the connected aircraft creates a safer world of flight.
Augmented reality: This is the concept of increasing a pilot's situational awareness by altering what that pilot sees. The heads-up displays used by military pilots are a first step toward augmented reality. In the near future, more advanced versions of these technologies are expected to be integrated into aircraft helmets and cockpits.
