Aerospace and Defense (A&D) companies have been making some of the technological marvels of our times. They have pioneered applications of digital and analytics technologies in many of their products. However, digital presents a new opportunity for A&D companies to embed it across their value streams, enabling them to design, build and service products with more incredible speed, efficiency, and quality. 

A&D companies are leading their way in AI as well. A thematic analysis of GlobalData, a data and analytics company, revealed that the aerospace, defense, and security (ADS) industry is now steadily increasing the number of unfilled positions in 2021. According to the analysis, this is a development that reflects the tech revolution of industry. They also added that this trend would continue throughout 2022. Robotics and AI are the jobs in most demand. AI sector deals have grown by 33.5% in the past 12 months, with the average deal valued at $159 million, according to GlobalData. 

According to the data, tech firms in the United States are leading the AI race. For example, Leidos, a Virginia-based American engineering company specializing in defense and aviation, advertised 1007 new AI jobs from October 2020 to September 2021. In addition, they registered three patents and mentioned AI in company fillings eight times. 

Boeing is another company that indicated good AI investment, with the company looking for 793 new AI jobs. In addition, there are defense-centric companies that have announced AI-based development projects and product releases. For example, GlobalData quoted that AI is a transformative technology in defense because of its ability to enable militaries to gather and use a large amount of data, potentially providing a competitive edge over the adversaries. They also said that AI would be of particular use in the development of unmanned vehicles, which have the potential to reduce operations costs while exposing personnel in the field to fewer risks. 

AI in Aerospace 

AI algorithms can evaluate and streamline design and manufacturing systems from an assortment of design alternatives in the shortest possible time in the area of product design. The AI-powered generative design combined with 3D printing can be used to deliver different parts of the aircraft. AI can reduce the use of billions of gallons of fuel by fabricating lightweight parts with the assistance of 3D printing. It can also aid in improving the fuel efficiencies of aerospace companies.  

An aircraft uses the most fuel during its climb stage. AI provides the space to analyze how much fuel is expended in the climbing period of various models. These profiles can streamline fuel utilization during the climb stage.  

AI can even be utilized in pilot training. It is said that AI simulators can help pilots in having realistic training. Moreover, AI arrangements inside the cockpit can progressively improve a flight path by evaluating and alerting the fuel level, framework status, climate conditions, and other vital parameters.  

Aircraft could also be equipped with CV algorithms, which help extend the pilots' visual field. AI can also help maintain aircraft, data processing, retrieval and analysis.  

Supply Chain Management 

Because of the nature of strengthening automation, AI in the West's aerospace industries may compel these companies to invest in the defense industries of the developing countries, including India. The rise of automation allows companies to not think about labour costs. Countries like the US and those in Europe bore the brunt of the job losses as they promoted much more economical supply chains in other parts of the world. AI may or may not restore jobs in mother countries, but it can certainly take away supply chain jobs they have created elsewhere. There are formidable factors such as access to resources, speeds at which firms can get their products to consumers, and the availability of a skilled workforce to go in favour of the supply chain. But the long-term implications of AI cannot be ignored. 

Sources:

McKinsey

EurAsian Times