T he world of military aircraft navigation and communication avionics is changing apace. Rapidly developing global air traffic communications and navigation requirements, along with new war-fighting concepts, mandate digital cockpit upgrades intended to prolong the life and usefulness of older military aircraft. While upgrading the avionics will mean a significant investment, it will keep many airframes viable for as much as 40 more years, said Tom Conard, director of business development-Air Force support programs for Boeing Integrated Defense Systems in St. Louis.

As commercial and military airframe OEMs make greater use of composites in primary and secondary structures, they and their customers are becoming increasingly aware of the need for erosion control, an issue for which there is no permanent fix. While minor erosion on a composite component does not present an immediate safety of flight issue, it still mandates vigilance and early intervention, because the longer the repairs are deferred on the part, the more involved and expensive the scope of repairs will become.

Business jet owners, who historically are low-utilization operators, are starting to look at fuel savings technologies thanks to high priced fuel. To address this market, Aviation Partners, separate from its Boeing joint venture, certified STCs for its blended winglets on the Hawker 800 and the in-production Hawker 800XP, respectively, in July and December 2004.