Singapore-based ST Aerospace has collaborated with US-based precision control components provider Moog to explore and develop blockchain and 3D printing-enabled total digital transaction for the global aerospace sector.

Under the arrangement, Moog will provide its blockchain-enabled point-of-use, time-of-need digital supply chain solution VeriPart, while ST Aerospace will contribute its capabilities in 3D printing design, fabrication and certification.

The partnership intends to develop 3D printing technology with digital transaction capability to add efficiency and security in aftermarket services.

“Our combined efforts will lay the groundwork for the redesign of global supply chains, creating new possibilities for our customers in the aerospace market and beyond.”

The upcoming technology is also expected to optimise supply chain improvements within military and commercial aerospace markets, as well as help customers to meet trade compliance regulations.

Moog chief technology officer George Small said: “The supply chain of the future will be built on a strong collaborative foundation of likeminded companies.

“Our combined efforts will lay the groundwork for the redesign of global supply chains, creating new possibilities for our customers in the aerospace market and beyond.”

Moog and ST Aerospace have recently conducted a test to demonstrate the value of a total digital transaction.

As part of the test, ST Aerospace bought a digital design of an aircraft part from Moog and printed the part at its facility in Singapore.

The settlement of the transaction was immediately completed through a smart contract that employed blockchain technology.

The deal was processed by VeriPart, which was supported by Microsoft’s Azure Blockchain application.

In a separate development, ST Aerospace has entered a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) to collaborate on the development of beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) unmanned aircraft system (UAS) operations in Singapore’s urban environment.