This book is a short introduction to the history and development of the aerospace industry with regards to the manufacturing, production, and employment contributions world-wide.
The aviation industry ushered America into the electronics age of components and modernization. Manufacturing changed from one-stop shops that created the product from ore to assembly, like Henry Ford, to a paradigm shift of specialty mechanization. Where once the family business was producing one product for one merchant, now the small manufacturers will supply two, three or more products to a multitude of customers. Diversification has changed the relationship between the customer and the supplier.
In the name of economics, the aviation industry has been forced to outsource the needed components for aircraft manufacturing. This has resulted in equipment failures with parts that have no provable provenance and are counterfeit. This is one of the future challenges to be addressed by the industry.
In a time where manufacturing generally is in decline, the American Aviation industry has the potential to employ and sustain skilled labor, intellectual innovation, scientists, and creativity.
The lessons that can be learned have shaped not only the manufacturing industry within America, but have the potential to inspire a pathway for the international manufacturing industry of the future.
