In order to meet the challenges facing air transport by 2050, it is essential to move forward in the key areas of propulsion systems, weight, cost management, drag and air traffic management. In the case of the first three factors, materials are at the very heart of strategic and economic decisions.

Closely involved in these aspects for some time, AAE and 3AF decided to organise a forum in collaboration with the Académie des Technologies in November 2012 entitled “Aeronautical materials for today and tomorrow”.

This ensuing joint publication (AAE Dossier 39 and 3AF Cahier 10) illustrates by means of concrete examples the issues and strategies involved and highlights current and future needs in terms of aeronautics materials.