Consumer Tech Starts Flying

I’ve seen a lot of shifts in the aerospace and defense world, and one of the most fascinating is how consumer electronics are taking center stage in demanding environments once reserved for proprietary—and often very pricey—hardware. Years ago, folks would scoff at the idea of using off-the-shelf gear in rockets, satellites, or fighter jets. Now, it’s becoming the norm.

SpaceX is a prime example. Their rockets incorporate commercially available computing components—similar to what you’d find in high-end gaming PCs—and put them through rigorous testing to meet extreme conditions. That strategy has helped them slash launch costs. Rather than commissioning ultra-specialized components, they’re leveraging reliable commercial tech wherever possible. Lockheed Martin and Boeing have also joined the trend, integrating commercial processors, sensors, and “plug & play” subsystems into their aircraft. What used to be fully custom—everything from circuit boards to sensors—has become more standardized, making development cheaper and faster.

The U.S. Department of Defense plays a big role in this shift. Everyone remembers the “600-dollar hammer” story, which often gets cited as an example of inflated spending caused by government. On the surface, it’s just a hammer—something you could buy at a hardware store for a few bucks. In reality, that inflated price tag factored in everything from specialized shipping to piles of paperwork to an avalanche of approval signatures. Sure, you could argue that it came with a 200-page user manual. Myth or not, it left a lasting impression of how bureaucracy can blow costs out of proportion. By using consumer electronics already tested by millions of everyday users, the DoD can sidestep some of those negative headlines tied to sky-high line items. At the same time, they tap into a broader technology base without having to develop everything from scratch.

In some cases, mergers and acquisitions bolster this trend by allowing large defense contractors to absorb smaller consumer-oriented companies or startups with cutting-edge tech. The result is a faster pipeline from the consumer world into the most advanced aerospace and defense applications. Whether it’s avionics, sensor systems, or high-performance computing, consumer-grade tech—adapted for rugged conditions—often meets and even exceeds old-school military specifications.

Altogether, it saves time, cuts costs, and spurs innovation. While specialized, custom-built hardware will always have its place, leveraging proven consumer technology keeps the aerospace and defense industry more agile than ever.