The aviation industry has seen massive changes in terms of technology over the years, and it’s only grown more sophisticated with each passing decade. From the invention of airplanes to their innovative use in war and beyond, technology has had a major role in aviation history.
Let’s take a look at how technology has impacted the aviation industry throughout the years and what we can expect in the future.
The Past – When Aircrafts Were Invented
The first aircraft was invented by Wilbur and Orville Wright in 1903, who are credited for making “the world’s first successful flight”. But before this invention, there were other attempts at creating planes with limited success.
In 1853, George Cayley built a glider that is considered to be one of the earliest forms of an airplane. It was powered by steam produced from burning coal and could fly up to 6 feet off the ground for short distances.
The Present – Innovative Use of Technology
Today, technology plays an integral role within the aviation industry. From satellite navigation systems to fuel-efficient engines, modern aircrafts have been equipped with advanced technologies that increase safety, reduce emissions, and lower operating costs.
Airlines are also using software to monitor maintenance schedules and optimize routes while airports are utilizing facial recognition systems to speed up security processes.
Furthermore, many airports are now offering Wi-Fi access within their terminals which allows passengers to stay connected while they wait for their flights.
The Future – Autonomous Planes?
As technology continues to evolve, so too does its application within the aviation industry. We can expect to see more fuel-efficient engines as well as autonomous planes which will likely be used primarily for cargo transport but could eventually revolutionize passenger travel as well.
Additionally, blockchain technology is being explored as a way to manage flight data securely which could help reduce delays due to miscommunication or errors caused by manual data entry processes. From its humble beginnings in 1903 all the way up until today’s cutting edge inventions and innovations, technology has had an undeniable impact on aviation history—and it looks like this trend may continue into the future!
As we look ahead towards autonomous planes and blockchain technology being applied within aviation operations, one thing is certain—technology is here to stay when it comes to air travel!