How AI technology could improve airline safety
456 views · Published 12 November 2018 · 7:00 · Indexed 26 October 2026
Channel: AP Archive · 2018 · News & Politics
(6 Nov 2018) LEADIN: Boeing says artificial intelligence (AI) in its planes could soon help pilots evaluate whether it's safe to go ahead with take-offs and landings. The details were revealed at China's International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition which also thrilled crowds with daring aerial displays. STORYLINE: The Chinese Air Force's Bayi Aerobatics team take to the skies in their home grown J-10 fighter jets. Known as Air Show China, this event is underway in the country's southern city of Zhuhai. It's a chance for China to show off its military skill, technology and hardware to an international audience. The week-long show is China's biggest international aviation and aerospace trade show and has been held every two years since 1996. Also performing - China's J-20 stealth fighter. The fifth-generation warplane, which outwardly resembles the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor in service with the U.S. military, first made its debut in 2016. Appearing for the first time this year is a J-10B fighter with vectoring thrust, featuring an engine equipped with a hinged nozzle. Vectoring thrust technology allows planes to direct their propulsion, giving more flexibility in maneuvering. The jet fighters on display thrill spectators. For many, the performances demonstrate China's burgeoning aerospace industry and growing confidence in its technology. This year, more than 700 exhibitors from over 40 countries and regions are showcasing their latest aviation and aerospace technologies and products. Among them a Chinese state-owned company which is revealing a model of a stealth combat drone in development, potentially joining the United States, France, and Russia in merging stealth and unmanned aerial vehicle technology. Shi Wen, general designer of the drone department at the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation says the CH-7 drone could be in the skies in the next year or so. "The goal of CH7 is that in a tough confrontation scenario, it can fly long hours, scout and strike the target when necessary. Of course, its ability to strike is not very strong, its main purpose is to scout and surveil," he says. Chinese Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation plans to test fly the drone next year and enter mass production by 2022. Shi says the drone will likely be sold commercially to other countries. Plane manufacturing giant Boeing used the show to outline its vision for how artificial intelligence (AI) technology could soon be used to improve safety. Boeing's Director of regional marketing for Northeast Asia, Richard Wynne says AI could help pilots evaluate whether or not it's safe to take off if a plane suffers sudden technical issues. "This is a critical decision that occurs as the airplane is still accelerating, and we believe that artificial intelligence, in combination with better sensor data, evaluates what's happening both outside the airplane and inside the airplane with its systems, may provide pilots with faster and better immediate guidance on whether to accept or reject take off in that critical moment." He adds that flight decks could be changed to integrate more autonomy to help amplify human capabilities. Boeing says changes will also need to be made to air-traffic control practices to account for more autonomous aircraft technology. "This is important because as we think about future vehicles like unmanned aerial vehicles and a future where we see many more drones, we believe we need an aerial, or an eco-system in terms of air traffic control that can support both those vehicles, as well as more conventionally-piloted airplanes." Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter: https://twitter.com/AP_Archive Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/APArchives Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/APNews/ You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/youtube/ee18d94c4f3e2299cf4346862836177a
