Global technologies

Much of the excitement surrounding such aircraft as the point-to-point 787, hub-to-hub A380, and 7X business jet is due to the application of new technologies.

Aerospace is singing the body electric in 2005 with myriad new electrically activated systems that are now migrating, along with other technologies, from military aircraft to the civil sector.

In addition to electric systems, other technologies finding wider application on today's aerospace and defense platforms include composite materials, digital design and manufacturing tools, and power plant improvements for better fuel consumption and lower emissions.