The virtual manufacturing technology (VMT) can be used to model

simulate and optimize the whole life cycle of a product in the stage of the product design

so that more efficient

more economic and more flexible production can be organized. Thus the goal for shortening the product development cycle

reducing the development costs

optimizing the product quality and improving the production efficiency can be achieved. This paper briefly introduces the implication and characteristics of VMT and the situation of its applications. Then it reviews the applications of VMT in the aircraft  manufacturing industry

which includes the successful cases of the virtual design of the aircraft theoretical surfaces and aerodynamics

the virtual manufacturing of the parts

the virtual assembly of the components and the virtual design of the production line

so that the significance of the VMT applications is demonstrated. Finally

it gives the production for the future  development and applications of VMT.