Recent advances in aeronautical technology arereviewed, with particular reference to work in theUnited Kingdom, and the process is outlined wherebythese have progressed from fundamental researchthrough to exploitation in marketable products.Aerodynamic, materials, propulsion and avionicaspects are discussed and successful applicationsdescribed in commercial and combat aircraft andhelicopters. Current and anticipated advances intechnology are considered in the context of possiblefuture applications, including brief considerationof the possibility of a new generation of supersonictransport aircraft. Lessons are drawn from pastexperience on actions necessary now if theseadvances are to be exploited successfully inimproving the performance, or reducing theacquisition or operating cost, of the nextgeneration of aircraft, without introducing anunacceptable level of risk.