If you love a fast ride, excitement, and unpredictability, then you are surely a fan of formula 1. Formula 1 and the aviation industries partake many connections, with both demanding machines that push the limits of engineering to assure they go faster and further. This connection leads to many similarities and joint efforts in the development of technology. As we already said both areas demand the creation of machines that execute their tasks at the edge of engineering bravery.
One might say that it is not only the technology that connects these two industries but also the presumed luxury way of life to which they directly associate. Both are all concerning speed and glamour, and the luxury lifestyle yielded those in both industries. Nevertheless, in our text, we will remain on common points concerning the technology itself and the development of these two industries.
The technology of lightweight materials enrolled F1 after it was thriving in the aeronautical industry. The results of invested efforts are expected to help manufacturers reduce the cost, weight and fuel consumption of machines. Lightweight materials are imperative for increasing the fuel economy and sustaining their safety and performance. Except that they affect fuel savings they are making them more environmentally friendly, which is a concern among many “green” consumers and company leaders facing tightening environmental regulations.
Aerodynamics is also essential for both areas. The aerodynamics included in F1 is related to that of aerospace engineering. They’re very compact and every team is always endeavoring to innovate in their range. One might say that the Aerospace Industry is a feeder to F1 for technology.
Data-driven adjustments and decisions focused on delivering the best race results or reduced delays and happier passengers is saving or earning millions of dollars for the industries along the way. The phrases ‘safety critical,’ ‘highly time constrained,’ ‘massive barriers to entry’ and ‘heavily regulated’ are familiar to the airline industry, but also to those in Formula 1racing. Very like airlines, F1 has large teams of people and systems running behind the scenes to support the passenger (or race car) move through the process more easily.
Converting these race decisions and data usage to fit the airline and airport model is a challenge that is striving on. It is not only about the data. You need to have the proper operating model, the right processes and, most importantly, the right culture to perform the change. The review process after the events are managed is a critical point of enhancing performance and delivering a more streamlined airport or airline operation. The knowledge and expertise of employees at the airport or airline are crucial to support the data-driven arrangements being made over time.
“It became clear that the pit-stop in a race track, with cars coming in, changing tires and refueling and going out again actually is pretty similar to an aircraft arriving at the airport, parking at the gate, passengers getting off, refueling and going out,” said the air traffic veteran, who has over 30 years of experience in the industry.
In any case, these two branches of industry have many common points, and it is certainly a pleasure to get acquainted with all the technological innovations they bring to us.
