4. Leading Aerospace Applications

It is expected that the aeronautics, defense and space applications will use MNT-based sensors and actuators to an increasing extend. The main systems and sub-systems where sensors and actuators can be or could be converted in MNT/MEMS Components are: Aircraft platforms & structures (Engine control, Accelerometers, Pressure sensors, Tire pressure sensors, Hall effect or GMR magnetic sensors); Avionics & flight control (Smart pressure sensors, Pressure measurement Unit, Accelerometers, Magnetometers); Optronics & electronics for Missions (Navigation sensors, Micro-bolometers, Pressure measurement Unit). In harsh environments, it is not sufficient to select the right product for the right application. There is a need to define the critical specifications (bias stability, bias shift due to shock, vibration rectification error, extreme temperature and temperature dependence, long term and short term stability, survival …).

Out of this broad panorama and numerous possibilities, we have selected the following major aerospace application areas to focus our study.