Packaging is the science, art and technology of enclosing or protecting products for distribution, storage, sale, and use.
In the aerospace context, packaging refers to the design and engineering of how components and systems are packaged or arranged within an aircraft or spacecraft. This includes the layout and organization of equipment, as well as the materials and methods used to protect and secure the components during flight.
Examples of aerospace packaging include:
- The design of the cockpit layout in an aircraft, including the placement of instruments and controls for the pilot
- The arrangement of systems, such as fuel tanks, in the wings and fuselage of an aircraft
- The use of insulation, vibration dampening materials, and shock mounts to protect sensitive equipment
- The use of fire-resistant materials and fire suppression systems to protect against in-flight fires
- The packaging of electronic systems, such as avionics, to protect against electromagnetic interference and ensure proper cooling.