Systems Engineering Evolutions

Abstract

Civil aviation is set to grow considerably over the coming decades, giving rise to concerns about its impact on the environment. Considering the general need to find an optimal balance between growth and environmental sustainability, this chapter investigates the introduction of green life cycle management (LCM) concepts in aviation. The interdisciplinary approach of systems engineering has provided useful methodologies to assist in addressing complex real-world problems. LCM is a core aspect of systems engineering implementing the principle that system design and architectural changes should be traceable to the requirements of the overall system. The concept of supply chain management is inexorably linked to LCM. There are many factors that can reduce emissions from aircraft operations, such as multimodal networks, ground operations, new infrastructure etc. However, the chapter endeavours to provide a brief analysis on one aspect believed to be most significant and promising. The most notable of these is air traffic management.