Aircraft Manufacturing Relies on Sensors: Strategic Value and Wide Applications of Germanium

The aviation industry represents the pinnacle of human engineering. Every aircraft, from design and manufacturing to flight, relies heavily on tens of thousands of sensors. These tiny but precise devices act like the "five senses" of an aircraft, monitoring key parameters such as temperature, pressure, attitude, and vibration in real time to ensure flight safety and performance optimization. As early as 2016, the industry emphasized the core role of semiconductor materials in sensors, and the rare metal germanium has become increasingly important due to its scarcity and strategic value. China, as the world’s second-largest germanium resource country, is gradually gaining supply chain control through technological innovation.

Nexisense, a local brand focusing on high-performance sensors, deeply engages in aviation-grade applications, providing reliable localized solutions to help China’s aviation industry achieve higher autonomy and stronger reliability. This article will analyze the critical role of sensors in aircraft manufacturing and explore the strategic significance of germanium materials.

Semiconductor Sensors: Core Technology for Aviation Perception

Semiconductor sensors use the physical, chemical, and biological properties of materials to achieve highly sensitive detection of light, heat, force, sound, and gas signals. They come in nearly a hundred types, simulating the functions of human senses. In aviation, semiconductor sensors have become indispensable, especially performing well in extreme environments such as high temperature, high pressure, and high vibration.

Rare metal germanium (Ge) supports infrared, photoelectric, and high-speed electronic sensors. Germanium crystals have excellent infrared transmittance and electron mobility, widely used in infrared detectors, lasers, and fiber optic communication components. Global germanium resources are scattered, with no concentrated deposits, and China ranks second, making the germanium supply chain highly strategic. Since 2011, national strategic reserves and market mechanisms have ensured stable germanium supply for aviation sensor applications.

Fiber Optic Sensors: The "Neural Network" for Aircraft Structural Health Monitoring

Fiber optic sensors integrate sensitive elements into hair-thin fibers, which can be embedded into wings and fuselage composite materials to measure distributed parameters such as strain, temperature, pressure, and acceleration. They are pressure-resistant, immune to electromagnetic interference, and especially suitable for online aviation monitoring.

In practice, fiber optic sensor arrays capture wing deformation data in real time, supporting flight control optimization and predicting structural fatigue life through long-term data accumulation. This is critical for large passenger aircraft and military planes, preventing sudden structural failures.

The image below demonstrates actual testing scenarios of fiber optic sensors embedded in aircraft wings and their deformation monitoring during flight.

Nexisense’s fiber optic fusion modules support high-density deployment and real-time data processing, verified in aviation structural health monitoring projects.

Inclinometer Sensors: The "Leveler" Ensuring Flight Attitude Stability

Inclinometer sensors output pitch and roll angles directly, serving as key inputs to flight attitude display systems. In commercial aircraft, they transmit real-time attitude information to cockpit displays, helping pilots precisely control aircraft status. Even in autopilot mode, inclinometer data is a core reference for flight control laws.

In modern digital cockpits, inclinometer sensors fuse with inertial measurement units (IMUs) to provide higher accuracy and redundancy. Nexisense aviation-grade inclinometers use MEMS technology, offering excellent vibration and shock resistance, suitable for harsh flight environments.

Pressure and Altitude Sensors: The "Lifeline" of Atmospheric Data Systems

Pressure sensors are widely used in aircraft atmospheric data systems, engine combustion chamber pressure monitoring, and vibration measurement. Altitude sensors (barometric altimeters) calculate flight altitude by comparing ground and current atmospheric pressure and are crucial for vertical control in helicopters.

Altitude sensor failure poses serious risks for UAVs or automated flight systems. Pressure sensors are also used for vacuum detection and acceleration measurement, ensuring engine stability.

Nexisense pressure and altitude sensors feature high precision (±0.1%FS) and wide temperature range (-55°C to +150°C), already applied in multiple aviation projects.

Other Key Sensor Applications on Aircraft

Beyond core types, aircraft integrate numerous auxiliary sensors:

• Temperature sensors monitor engines and cabin environment

• Fuel level sensors ensure safe fuel management

• Acceleration and velocity sensors support flight control

• Smoke and ultrasonic sensors provide safety warnings

• Inertial sensors offer navigation reference

Together, these sensors form a "full-perception" system in modern aircraft.

Strategic Position and Future Outlook of Rare Metal Germanium

Germanium’s unique advantages in infrared detectors, fiber optic sensors, and high-speed electronics make it a strategic resource in aviation sensors. Amid global scarcity, China’s germanium production and technical reserves are vital for supply chain stability.

With the mass delivery of domestic aircraft C919 and ARJ21, and military aviation upgrades, demand for high-end germanium-based sensors will continue to rise. Nexisense focuses on localized applications of germanium-related materials, advancing sensors from “import dependency” to “self-controlled” solutions.

FAQ: Common Questions on Aviation Sensors

Why do aircraft need so many sensors? Aircraft operate in extreme environments; sensors provide real-time, redundant data to ensure safety and control accuracy.

What role does germanium play in sensors? Germanium is used in infrared windows, photoelectric detection, and high-mobility transistors, supporting high-temperature and radiation-resistant aviation sensors.

How does Nexisense support localization of aviation sensors? We provide reliable MEMS and fiber optic solutions, verified in multiple aviation projects, supporting the establishment of autonomous supply chains.

Summary and Outlook

Every advancement in aircraft manufacturing relies on precise sensor support, and germanium, as a key material, holds strategic value. From fiber structure monitoring to attitude control and pressure/altitude sensing, these technologies safeguard flight and demonstrate China’s progress in aviation sensors.

Nexisense continues to focus on high-performance sensor R&D, delivering reliable and innovative solutions to help domestic aviation equipment reach higher levels. With optimized germanium supply chains and technology integration, aviation sensors will see broader development, enabling China’s aviation industry to transition from follower to global leader.