MEMS application in tactical aircraft systems

MicroElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS) have unrealized potential for improving aircraft capability and affordability. This technology, which leverages the highly automated production processes used by the semiconductor industry, can achieve reductions in the cost, size, and weight of integrated electrical and mechanical devices. Tactical aircraft applications have been hindered by the lack of: 1. Practical MEMS knowledge by aircraft design engineers 2. Appropriate designs for distributed power and communications 3. Cost-effective, low-production-volume fabrication. These and other problems were investigated a probe into the use of MEMS for three tactical aircraft related applications.