aerospace industry

Table of Contents

Introduction
Character of the industry
History
- The first decade
- World War I
- Between the wars
- World War II
- The advent of jets and missiles
- The space age
- Growth of the aircraft industry
- Cooperation and consolidation in a global economy
  - Internationalization
  - Mergers and divestitures
Aerospace products, manufacturers, and markets
- Civil aircraft
  - General aviation aircraft
  - Commercial heavy aircraft
- Military aircraft
- Helicopters
- Uncrewed aerial vehicles
- Missiles
- Space launchers
- Spacecraft
- Airships
- Secondary and tertiary aerospace systems
  - Propulsion
  - Avionics
  - Other secondary systems
  - Tertiary systems
Industry processes
- Research
- Product development and testing
  - Design methods
  - Use of computers
  - Wind-tunnel testing
  - Prototype testing and certification
  - Spacecraft, launch vehicle, and missile development
- Manufacturing
  - Historical context
  - Fabrication processes and materials
    - Working of materials
    - Special requirements of military aircraft
    - Engine and avionics manufacture
    - Satellite, launch vehicle, and missile manufacture
  - Assembly methods and facilities
    - Building of subassemblies
    - Final assembly
    - Verification
  - Lean manufacturing
- Maintenance
  - Inspection technologies
  - Airframe and engine overhaul
  - Remanufacture and upgrading

References & Edit History Quick Facts & Related Topics

Images & Videos

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William E. Boeing, 1929

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aerospace industry: Facts & Related Content

Written and fact-checked by The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

News •

Aerospace firms scour contracts over tariffs after supplier challenge • Apr. 7, 2025, 9:15 PM ET (Reuters)

Facts

Also Known As	aircraft industry

Photos and Videos

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