AI Hype versus Reality - Will It Work for You?

Can analytical and operational artificial intelligence software (AI) be trusted to design and pilot aircraft and spacecraft, manage manufacturing processes, run air traffic control, and even perform science, conduct warfare, and influence space policy? AI has gained tremendous attention and prominence recently as new software products - combined with massive databases - have produced remarkable products such as ChatGPT that have captured the public’s attention and imagination. It can be challenging, however, to assess the potential of AI realistically to improve real-world products and processes that are closer to home. It is important to know what is behind the curtain in terms of the processes and available data that go into AI to make judgements on how AI can be employed and whether the AI output can be trusted for a specific application. This paper provides an introduction into the basic processes of analytical and operational AI, and how these processes can be integrated with the suitable data that can result in significant technical and business advantages in the aerospace realm.