Abstract

NASA has embraced a multi‐generational research approach to address current needs in aviation as well as emphasizing the technology developments needed for future generations of aircraft. This approach is guided by challenging targets for emissions and fuel burn improvements that are directly related to aviation’s impact on climate change. The magnitude of the target improvements are based on potential entry into service dates for new advanced vehicle concepts. Most of these advanced aircraft concepts attribute large fuel burn improvements to the application of laminar flow technologies to significantly reduce vehicle drag.  NASA believes the basic science of the transition processes for subsonic transports are well enough understood that the remaining hurdles for successful implementation of laminar flow technologies are predominantly driven by the integration of aerodynamic design with manufacturing processes and operational requirements.  Therefore NASA is focused on addressing the necessary integration of disciplines to successfully demonstrate viable approaches to laminar flow solutions for thirty‐year fleet operation. This presentation will provide an overview of the NASA sponsored research and development activities related to enabling vehicles that benefit from laminar flow technologies.

Biography