Opportunities in Micro-and Nanotechnologies - Implications of Emerging Micro-and Nanotechnologies - page 196

providing enhanced flight efficiency and maneuverability without conventional
rudders or other macroscopic control surfaces. These MEMS-based active aero-
dynamic flight control vehicles (MACs) could exploit advances in microscale
sensors and actuators in combination with information technologies to provide
local feedback control. Vehicle surfaces would rapidly sense and change airflow
boundary layer conditions, a capability now possible with micromechanical de-
vices and continuously increasing computing power. Such control strategies might
reduce, on average, the turbulent nature of aerodynamic flow, leading to laminar
flow vehicles with dramatically greater range-payload capabilities than those of
current aircraft. The implications for air combat support, global reach, and re-
duced overseas footprint could be significant. A second aspect would be the
ability to manipulate boundary layers to generate large forces and moments for
flight control, possibly supplementing or replacing large-scale control surfaces
while reducing weight and increasing maneuverability. The possible mission
implications of MACs would appear to be worth exploring in concert with the
advancement of micro- and nanotechnologies.
FINDING AND RECOMMENDATION
Finding T8. Four overarching themes emerge from the advance of micro-
and nanotechnologies—increased information capabilities, miniaturization,
new engineered materials, and increased functionality/autonomy. These
themes could have a significant military impact by enabling new systems
approaches to Air Force missions.
Recommendation T8. The Air Force should continue to study new systems
opportunities that may emerge from the successful development of micro-
and nanotechnologies and use these studies to help focus its applied research
and development investments in these technologies.
REFERENCES
1. Joint Chiefs of Staff. 2000. Joint Vision 2020. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office.
2. Office of the Secretary of Defense. 2000. Space Technology Guide FY 2000-2001. Washing-
ton, D.C.: Office of the Secretary of Defense, Assistant Secretary of Defense (Command,
Control, Communications, and Intelligence); Director, Defense Research and Engineering.