I just came across [this article](http://www.baesystems.com/article/BAES_175799/aircraft-set-to-become-more-human-as-engineers-develop-smart-skins-which-can-detect-injury;baeSessionId=tvp4T1pPxB145s0vbnJ30LCxHLmB9fg7hVSSPctQsgXZ869K3hBD!-1101383713?_afrLoop=48610432795000&_afrWindowMode=0&_afrWindowId=null#%40%3F_afrWindowId%3Dnull%26_afrLoop%3D48610432795000%26_afrWindowMode%3D0%26_adf.ctrl-state%3Dfqn2y0lsp_4) on LinkedIn, and I have a few questions about it.

Some of BAe's claims are things such as:

> 
> Aircraft set to become more human as engineers develop smart skins which can detect injury
> 
> 
> The revolutionary ‘smart skin’ concept will enable aircraft to continually monitor their health, reporting back on potential problems before they become significant. This would reduce the need for regular check-ups on the ground and parts could be replaced in a timely manner, increasing the efficiency of aircraft maintenance, the availability of the plane and improving safety.
> 
> 
> 

In the past I have seen some claims of a similar nature (such as skin that adapts its shape to be more aerodynamic based on phase of flight). What I am wondering is:

* Is this really technically feasible?
* Can such a skin really do what BAE claims?
* Will this have any *adverse* effects on the aviation industry? (Usually people are so enamored with new technology and the good it can do, I am more curious if anyone has thought of the downside.)