For Release: February 1996
Photo Number:
L-96-327
Release No. 96-012 (also see Rel. 96-005)
NASA pilot Michael Wusk makes a "windowless landing" aboard a
NASA 737 research aircraft in flight tests aimed at developing
technology for a future supersonic airliner. Cameras in the nose of
the airplane relayed images to a computer screen in the aircraft's
otherwise "blind" research cockpit. Computer graphics were overlaid
on the image to give cues to the pilot during approaches and
landings. Researchers are hoping that by enhancing the pilot's
vision with high-resolution video displays aircraft designers of
the future can do away with the expensive, mechanically-drooping
nose of early supersonic transports. The tests were conducted in
flights at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility, Wallops, Va. from
November 1995 through January 1996.
The flight deck systems research is part of the joint NASA-U.S.
industry High-Speed Research (HSR) program, aimed at developing
technologies for an economically viable, environmentally friendly
high-speed civil transport around the turn of the century. The work
is directed by the HSR Program Office, located at NASA Langley
Research Center, Hampton, Va.
FOR FURTHER INFO: Keith Henry - 757/864-6124
text-only version of this release | 
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