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
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