Future of Flight Vehicle Structures (2000 to 2023)

TLDR

Advancing flight faces ongoing challenges to improve performance and reduce acquisition and operating costs, limiting the full exploitation of flight benefits. The study aims to forecast progress in flight vehicle structures over the next two decades. The authors provide a vision of structural technology advancements across experimental, general, military, and commercial aviation over the next 20 years.

Abstract

The journey in advancing flight is far from complete. Challenges to improve performance while reducing costs to acquire and operate air vehicles to fully exploit the potential benefits of flight for humankind remain formidable. Toward this goal, what progress can we anticipate in the next 20 years? The authors attempt to answer this question, sharing their collective vision for advancements in structures technology within the allotted timeframe. Their coverage spans experimental, general, military, and commercial aviation.