March 2026 Special Focus Issue: Design for Aerospace

The aerospace industry has been a leader in adopting new design and simulation technologies in an effort to improve safety, reduce weight, and incorporate new features into aircraft and spacecraft.

In this Special Focus Issue, the editors of Digital Engineering present features and news stories about the latest technologies that can help enhance aerospace design, from PLM to simulation metadata, as well as a look at autonomous airplane development and industry certifications. Articles include:

• Autonomy in Aviation’s Future. Is the goal autonomy or high automation?

• The Metadata Challenge. Efforts to standardize and automate simulation metadata management can unlock new levels of innovation.

• PLM Evolution. PLM solutions are embracing AI, cloud and other new capabilities.

• A Peek into the Certification Process. Digital simulation’s role growing in aerospace certification with FAA, EASA