Aviation Week & Space Technology | By: Michael Bruno | May 5 2017:
Data Crunch: All the talk is about the rise of big data at aerospace industry gatherings. Forget about new pilots, engines and maintainers—apparently what the aerospace and defense world needs most is data scientists.
Big data—the mining, analysis and exploitation of seemingly infinite reams of information—is increasingly commanding the attention of top executives and military officials. With its promise of opening new revenue streams, new operator efficiencies and new levels of aircraft reliability, big data is the leading topic of conversation at industry conferences and in individual interviews.
Across the aerospace industry, from manufacturers to maintainers and operators, executives and military officials have growing expectations—and some hesitations—to generating and using big data.
While experiences and forecasts span the gamut, practically everyone sees big data either as a core need of their company or armed service or a key offering for customers, or both.
“The predictive maintenance side of this, that will explode in the near future,“ says Pamela Valdez, director of derivative fleet support and sustainment at Boeing. “Those who don’t [master it], they won’t be in business.”
Espen Olsen, a retired Royal Norwegian Air Force officer who is now director of business development and sales in aerospace at enterprise software provider IFS, says he has never seen as much interest during his 25-year career. “Data is probably the must important thing suppliers are working with now,” he says. “Everybody wants to talk about it. ‘What does it mean for me?’”
Companies are already investing major resources. In March, United Technologies Corp. (UTC), owner of engine maker Pratt & Whitney and supplier UTC Aerospace Systems (UTAS), opened the United Technologies Digital Accelerator in Brooklyn, New York.
The hub is a $300 million bet on big data and the Internet of Things that will create 250 new jobs focused on developing software solutions for UTC’s product and service portfolio.
“My company is hiring, big time, people with aerospace backgrounds that are data scientists,” says Rhonda Walthall, UTAS manager of aircraft system health management.
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