Boeing 2007 Annual Report Download - page 20

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17
Boeing’s enterprise technology
strategy is designed to meet
customers’ needs today and
tomorrow.
Boeing is helping customers define
the future of aerospace while meeting
their current needs. Today, we are
implementing innovative applications of
composites on the new 787 Dreamliner
and delivering network-enabled and
autonomous capabilities for the U.S.
Army’s Future Combat Systems pro-
gram. We are also developing future
technology breakthroughs such as
higher-performing, lower-cost com-
posite structures, next-generation
air traffic management systems and
environmentally progressive fuel-cell
and biofuel technologies.
We are meeting these challenges by
structuring our R&D activities and
investments in a way that not only
balances future customer needs with
current ones but also focuses those
needs on eight strategic technology
domains. The result is an Enterprise
Technology Investment Strategy that
ensures both that critical technologies
are ready when needed and that they
are obtained through the most efficient
means possible.
Accordingly, in addition to conducting
our own internal R&D, Boeing is part-
nering with some of the best research
agencies, universities and companies
around the world. In doing so, we are
leveraging their technologies and
expertise to ensure we stay ahead
of the competition by providing the
most innovative and affordable aero-
space solutions the world has to offer.
Moreover, this approach provides
Boeing with broader access to the
$1 trillion invested annually in R&D
around the world.
Most recently, for example, we have
been forming technology alliances in
India to develop wireless and other
network technologies and advanced
materials for aerospace applications.
In Australia, we’re working on robotics,
hypersonics and autonomous flight
technologies; in Italy, thermoplastic
composites; in Spain, environmental
and air traffic management technolo-
gies; and in the United Kingdom,
advanced manufacturing processes.
Our focused and integrated
technology investment strategy,
global partnerships and keen
understanding of customers’
needs provide a unique competi-
tive advantage for Boeing.
We are applying state-of-the-art
technologies to improve our current
product lines on programs like the
737, 777, C-17 and F/A-18E/F. Such
breakthroughs also allow us to offer
next-generation solutions like the 737
derivatives for the multimission P-8A
Poseidon for the U.S. Navy and the
Airborne Early Warning & Control System
for various international customers.
These technology improvements
also allow us to pave the way for
advances in flight. Examples include,
the aerodynamically and structurally
efficient X-48B blended wing-body
concept; unmanned and autonomously
controlled air vehicles for a variety of
military and homeland defense applica-
tions; and hypersonic vehicles that can
cross continents in 20 minutes and
provide routine access to space.
The development and use of advanced modeling and simulation technology is helping us
significantly reduce the time and cost of designing, developing and manufacturing ever-
higher-quality, higher-performance products and systems to meet our customers’ needs.