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5.2 NASA General Aviation ProgramThe goal of the NASA General Aviation Program is to reduce public travel times by half in 10 years and by two-thirds in 25 years. To accomplish this goal, NASA and its partners have invested in the revolutionary technologies necessary not only to build the next generation of vehicles for business and personal air transportation but also to train the average person to operate them safely. To bring this type of transportation capability to the average person, the vehicles must be easier and safer to operate, and the related training simplified and reduced in cost (both in time and money).Among the advancements in development are innovative, low-cost engines; graphical, easy-to-read displays; energy absorbing, crashworthy structural elements; and additional safety features including airbags and better restraint systems. NASA recently led the effort to qualify improved structural materials for general aviation aircraft by defining the methodology for epoxy-based pre-empregnated composite materials. This has resulted in a substantial reduction in certification cost ($500,000 per component) and certification time (two years per component).
Artist's conception of possible next-generation general aviation aircraft. NASA POC: Henry W. (Hank) Jarrett 757-864-1917 H.W.Jarrett@larc.nasa.gov http://agate.larc.nasa.gov/
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NASA Headquarters Responsible Official: Code R
Curator: SAIC Information Services http://www.aerospace.nasa.gov |
