Book excerpt: Providing quality research for the reader, this title encompasses all the recent developments in smart sensor technology for health monitoring in aerospace structures, providing a valuable introduction to damage detection techniques. Focussing on engineering applications, all chapters are written by smart structures and materials experts from aerospace manufacturers and research/academic institutions. This key reference: Discusses the most important aspects related to smart technologies for damage detection; this includes not only monitoring techniques but also aspects related to specifications, design parameters, assessment and qualification routes. Presents real case studies and applications; this includes in-flight tests; the work presented goes far beyond academic research applications. Displays a balance between theoretical developments and engineering applications