A SYSTEMS ENGINEERING FRAMEWORK FOR ADOPTING RAPIDLY EMERGING TECHNOLOGY ITEMS DURING THE DEVELOPMENTAL PHASE – AIRCRAFT SYSTEM DESIGN CASE

The rapid emerging evolution of the aerospace industry, driven by continuous advancements in technologies such as electric propulsion, autonomous systems, and advanced materials, presents both opportunities and challenges. The integration of these Rapidly Emerging Technology Items (RETIs) during the developmental phase of Systems Engineering (SE) introduces significant complexity, often resulting in project delays and cost overruns. This study proposes an improved SE framework designed to address these challenges by facilitating the efficient incorporation of RETIs during the developmental phase of the system engineering processes. Drawing on feedback from 21 industry experts, each with over 15 years of experience, the study identifies effective strategies to streamline RETI adoption. Qualitative analysis revealed that the improved framework—featuring enhanced communication between RETI drivers and design organizations, a rigorous screening process, integrated techniques, and a centralized repository for data management—significantly reduces the time required for technology integration while maintaining competitive advantages. The findings demonstrate that the proposed framework improves technical performance, ensures system safety, and optimizes the integration process during the developmental phase. By addressing the limitations of traditional SE methodologies, this research provides a comprehensive solution to the challenges posed by RETIs, offering a scalable and efficient approach for modern engineering applications.