Alabama Patent of the Month – December 2025
A new era of flight is taking flight thanks to a breakthrough in hardware flexibility. Modular Aerospace LLC has patented a system that allows aircraft electronics to be swapped as easily as computer parts. This technology, detailed in U.S. Patent No. 12494597, titled ‘Multiplatform modular avionics system’, solves the costly problem of rigid, permanent flight systems.
A Universal Framework for the Skies
Traditional avionics are often custom-built for specific aircraft, making upgrades expensive and slow. The new modular design creates a standardized interface that works across various platforms. This means a single sensor or control module can function on a drone, a rocket, or a traditional plane. The system uses a specialized structural frame to secure these modules while managing heat and data flow.
Faster Deployment and Lower Costs
Engineers can now integrate mission-specific equipment without redesigning the entire aircraft. This plug-and-play capability reduces development timelines and maintenance downtime. If a component fails or becomes obsolete, operators simply slide in a new one. This efficiency is vital for industries ranging from commercial logistics to rapid-response space exploration.
Security and Reliability by Design
The patent also addresses modern digital threats with built-in cybersecurity protocols. By isolating different functions within separate modules, the system prevents a single point of failure. This robust architecture ensures that critical flight controls remain protected even if secondary mission systems are compromised. The result is a safer, more adaptable future for the global aerospace industry.
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Are you developing new or improved products, or thinking of applying for a patent? Did you know your research work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? To find out more, please check out our free online eligibility test.
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The Research & Experimentation Tax Credit (or R&D Tax Credit), is a general business tax credit under Internal Revenue Code section 41 for companies that incur research and development (R&D) costs in the United States. The credits are a tax incentive for performing qualified research in the United States, resulting in a credit to a tax return. For the first three years of R&D claims, 6% of the total qualified research expenses (QRE) form the gross credit. In the 4th year of claims and beyond, a base amount is calculated, and an adjusted expense line is multiplied times 14%. Click here to learn more.
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