Conn. In 1996, Memry signed a contract with the aircraft manufacturer McDonnell Douglas. Memry went to work creating a control surface helicopter blade that provides pilots with increased control as well as increased structural endurance. That space agency explored the merits of memory metals in the 1960s but gave up on their efforts until the 1980s, when the agency began early work the space station. Swept fan blades in jet engines may not only add greater power and fuel efficiency, but according to Aerospace Engineering Online, the swept fan blade design also provides added strength for resistance to runway debris. As always the constraint holding back any new technology is a two-headed monster time and money.
New airplanes are expensive to build and new technologies are often expensive to implement.
So, don t expect to see any of these developments on your next flight, but you may want to keep an eye out for them down the runway. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Information about privacy policy , terms of use . Inc. All rights reserved.