Make 'intelligent skin' for the plane

A system fitted outside the hull to help it 'feel' damaged or injured as human skin is being developed by BAE Systems, UK.

British defense contractors say the technology works by covering the entire body of the aircraft with tens of thousands of sensors that measure wind speed, temperature, deformation and displacement. They can detect problems before they happen, BBC News reported.

Senior researcher Lydia Hyde says the idea came to her when she used a sensor to avoid overheating.

Sensors on military aircraft can warn of damage. (Photo: BBC News)

"By observing a simple sensor that prevents the device from overheating, I think how this can apply to my work and how to replace the bulky, expensive sensors into small ones. and cheaper, has more functionality , "Lydia Hyde said

"This leads to the idea of an airplane or train covered by thousands of tiny micro sensors that create a 'smart skin' that can feel the world around and monitor the condition of the plane by How to detect deformation, temperature, damage , ' she added.

BAE says micro sensors like dust particles and have their own power source, and can even spray the body of a plane like a paint.

'It will help the facility report back to its local environment and warn the user of the repairs as needed before they are discovered, such as flood control and hydropower dams. or help activate the water pipes automatically turn on the heater during cold weather, especially to prevent pipes from freezing and breaking out , "said Jennifer Cole of the Rusi Research Institute in the UK.

"If the same technology is applied to cars, it could be a revolution in reducing traffic accidents," Jennifer Cole added.