Points of Contact

John Del Frate - Director
Advanced Planning and Partnerships
P O Box 273
MS 2701
Edwards, CA 93523
phone: 661-276-3704
email: John.H.DelFrate@nasa.gov

For general information contact us at:
661-276-3100
Ask.DFRC@dfrc.nasa.gov

Capabilities Brochure

cover of capabilities and facilities brochure

Download a printable version of Dryden's Capabilities and Facilities brochure (PDF)

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Spinoff 2008

NASA spinoff 2008 magazine cover

Spinoff 2008 highlights NASA’s pursuit of its charter to research, develop, verify and transfer advanced aeronautics, space, and related technologies.

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Capabilities and Facilities

    X-43 undergoing ground tests at DrydenX-43A vehicle undergoing ground testing at Dryden Flight Research Center. (NASA Photo / Tom Tschida)

    Dryden's project teams have successfully accomplished many of the nation's most complex flight research projects. The information here demonstrates how the Center has created and refined innovative flight research techniques that encompass all phases of flight projects – from highly developed design through development, fabrication, and operations processes. Through this ongoing refinement Dryden continues to expand its world-class capabilities, which include an expert work force, natural infrastructure, unique facilities and aircraft, flexible project management, and a proven operating system.

Capabilities Components

Dryden's Role in Space Exploration

PA-1 boilerplate crew module undergoing center of gravity testing.

Dryden’s expertise in atmospheric flight research and test provides significant progress toward the fulfillment of US space exploration.

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Flight Research, Test, and Engineering

A U.S. Navy E-2C Hawkeye aircraft undergoing loads calibration testing in the Flight Loads Laboratory

Six discipline branches — aerodynamics and propulsion; aerostructures; dynamics and controls; flight instrumentation; flight systems; and systems engineering and integration — provide research and pro...

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Facilities, Resources, and Assets

mate-demate device at dryden

Dryden uses a system of facilities, consisting of experimental labs and shops for modification, repair, instrumentation, test, and qualification, to support its mission.

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Employee Skills Sets

employee inspecting jet engine

To achieve higher performance, Dryden is creating a more open, consultative work environment that encourages new ideas and approaches and appreciates the value of challenging technical conclusions and...

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Industry Partnerships

  • Drydens fleet of cutting edge aircraft and research platforms

    Advanced Planning and Partnerships Office

    Dryden's Advanced Planning and Partnerships Office is a gateway to an unmatched environment for experimental flight test, and as part of the partnership, we offer extensive experience, expertise, and facilities not available elsewhere:

Directorates

  • Control room with television monitors

    Test Systems Directorate

    Dryden's Test Systems Directorate provides flight simulation, range, and global network capabilities to conduct aerospace flight research and technology integration, space exploration concepts, airborne remote sensing and science missions, and operations of the Space Shuttle and International Space Station.

  • ER-2 in flight

    Flight Operations Directorate

    The Flight Operations Directorate manages and technically directs all Dryden flight operations and flight support activities required to accomplish Center objectives.

  • crew chief giving final checks to Ikhana before a flight

    Aerospace Projects Directorate

    The Aerospace Projects Directorate manages all of Dryden’s flight projects. It serves the Center and other NASA installations, Military and other Federal agencies, industry, and academia.

  • Structural loads testing on the Aeroelastic Wing F-18 in Dryden's Flight Loads Laboratory.

    Research and Engineering Directorate

    NASA Dryden’s Research and Engineering Directorate is responsible for the overall engineering content of flight research projects.