Introduction

A Technology Partnership for the New Millennium

Aviation has been one of the mose important enterprises in the U.S. for nearly a century. It developed out of the early vision and determiniation of a few dauntless experimenters to become the main service of large corporations that move people and goods; others are dedicated to the manufacture of aircraft built to the most demanding specifications to assure predictability of performance. Today, the U.S. is recognized as the world leader in aviation based on the combined efforts of industry, academia and government.

The role of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in this activity is to safeguard public safety, security, efficiency, and protection of the environment through the issuance of guidelines, advisories, and regulations. Additionally, the FAA provides safe and efficient air traffic control and flow management services. NASA's mission in part is to research, develop, verify, and transfer aeronautics and related technologies. NASA research focuses on advances in high-risk revolutionary technologies that are needed to maintain the U.S. preeminence in aeronautics. The continuing need for modernization, growth, and realizing new transportation opportunities, present formidable challenges, which both agencies can overcome by working in close cooperation to leverage each other's strengths. By integrating research and development activities, we are developing innovative technologies, concepts, and products that will fill the needs of a dynamic industry.

This booklet describes examples of the research and development projects being performed by the NASA and the FAA to realize our objective of providing products and operational concepts that will make today's aviation system more safe, secure, efficient, and environmentally friendly.

When viewed together, these research directions begin to reveal an exciting future for air transportation. However, this future can be achieved only through the cooperative efforts of the entire aviation community. We look forward to your involvement and help as we build an understanding and commitment for Federal investment in science and technology, and forge the government-industry partnerships required for success.


	NASA Headquarters Responsible Official: Code R Curator: SAIC Information Services http://www.aerospace.nasa.gov