|
RELEASE: 02-23 (identical to NASA HQ Rel. 02-89)
NASA
selects partner for aviation research
NASA has selected a partner for a joint venture to develop and
demonstrate air mobility technologies for transportation using
small aircraft and small airports.
The National Consortium for Aviation Mobility (NCAM),
Hampton, Va., will lead a broad-based public/private consortium of
more than 130 members, which is expected to grow. NCAM will work
with NASA toward a mid-2005 proof-of-concept of new operational
capabilities, geared toward technologically advanced small aircraft
and small airports.
The proof-of-concept is a flight demonstration that will be the
culmination of the NASA Small Aircraft Transportation System
(SATS) research and
technology program, led by NASA's Langley Research Center, Hampton,
Va.
As envisioned, the SATS is an equitable, on-demand,
point-to-point, widely distributed nationwide transportation
system. It relies on advanced 4- to 10-passenger aircraft using new
operating capabilities. Such a system promises improved safety,
efficiency, reliability and affordability for small aircraft
operating within the nation’s 5,400 public-use-landing
facilities. This research will evaluate technologies and procedures
that could significantly extend reliable air service to many
communities. The impact of this research could be more equitable
distribution of air-accessibility and economic opportunity.
Enabling the SATS vision requires transportation system
innovations too risky and costly for any one entity to undertake;
therefore, NASA is taking the first step on the path to the SATS
vision – a proof-of-concept of the feasibility.
To implement the proof-of-concept, NASA has opted to initiate a
public/private partnership that includes the Department of
Transportation, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and NCAM.
NASA believes this type of public/private venture will bring
together key transportation community stakeholders needed to guide
the research and increase technology transfer and commercialization
opportunities for all partners.
NASA and other federal agencies are expected to contribute up to
$40 million over the next four years to support the joint
sponsored-research agreement, a cost sharing partnership between
the federal government and the consortium.
Langhorne Bond – a former FAA administrator with extensive
experience in a broad range of public transportation fields –
will serve as NCAM consortium president. John F. Sheehan will serve
as NCAM executive director. Sheehan has more than 35 years of
directly applicable experience in both the technical and business
development aspects of the aerospace and defense industry.
A listing of initial NCAM membership is available at:
LARC Home
Pagenews_and_events/inside_pages/2002/NCAM.pdf
- end -
|
