Aerospace Research and Development

Aerospace research and development is an industry that breaks barriers of limitation
By Katherine Kay Aerospace research firms pursue new products, discoveries and services that are better than yesterday’s. The methodical, consistent process of R&D is also creative, original and investigative. The process helps companies grow and progress in their industry.

Aerospace and military defense research uses science, math and engineering techniques to make new aerospace products, devices, equipment and parts. Most companies spend about 5% of their revenue on research and development. However, companies that work with higher-technology usually spend a lot more. Consider the following when thinking about R&D for your aerospace research:

1. Look at the basic aerospace research and development major institutions conduct to move society forward.

2. Pursue applied aerospace research and development to bring new products to consumers.

3. Use a variety of aerospace and defense firms for products, education and unusual purposes.

Use basic research to move society forward in aerospace R&D

Basics research is the kind of research often pursued by government, education and larger businesses. This kind of aerospace and defense research and development is global and national in that it helps many people not just a company or a corporation.
Try:  NASA conducts long-term programs in aviation safety, aeronautic testing and airspace systems. The Aerospace Corporation, sponsored by the United States Air Force, has the facilities and professional technicians to perform R&D for aeronautic ground systems and related launch programs.

Pursue applied aerospace research to improve products and services for consumers

Applied research is the kind of research that aerospace research companies do to improve the bottom line. By doing so, companies grow and progress as they discover and implement improved products.
Try:  AMI performs R&D in aircraft design and modification. They work with propulsion/vehicle interactions, wake surface vehicles and flight test support among other technical specialties. This company will help aeronautic companies accelerate design efforts and obtain training and software solutions as well. NORDAM performs commercial and general aviation R&D. Whether customers provide their own drawings or ask this company to draw up the specifications, they are prepared to meet the clients’ needs. They specialize in aircraft interiors and aircraft interior components for all facets of the aviation market--private, business, commercial and military.

Find universities and unique companies in aerospace research

Research and development is a discovery process that involves investigation and creative discovery. Don't be surprised to find companies or individual engineers building flying machines in their garages, providing specialized parts or offering educational training.
Try:  SKF offers aerospace parts and services. The University of California at Davis’s Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering pushes forward in science and technology discoveries. This is a good choice for a student who wants to pursue aeronautics and defense training. UC Davis’s center is well equipped to train the upcoming student with their various research labs that include a wind tunnel facility, a combustion lab, an automotive power train and a computational fluid dynamics facility. Guided Systems Technologies offers testing in a fully automatic UAV research helicopter for bi-channel infrared thermometers, magnetometers, radiation survey instruments, color video cameras and other sensors and instruments. Contact this company for more details.

• Governmental, educational and big business high-tech institutions will have funds for basic research. Smaller companies generally do applied research, but the budget is limited. If you are a smaller company, be sure to talk to a business consultant in aerospace research development about how much money your company should apply to R&D to stay current and competitive.