NASA awards $12 million to evaluate airplanes flying in 2030s

William Atkins
Wednesday, 08 October 2008 01:27

Science - Space

General Electric Aviation

“Small Commercial Efficient and Quiet Air Transportation for 2030-2035,” headed by GE Aviation, along with GE Global Research, Georgia Institute of Technology, and Cessna Aircraft Company; total award $1.97 million.

Lockheed Martin Corporation

“NASA N+3 Supersonic, Three Generations Forward in Aviation Technology,” headed by Lockheed Martin Corporation, along with GE Global Research, Purdue University and Wyle Laboratories; total award $1.96 million.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

“Aircraft and Technology Concepts for an N+3 Subsonic Transport,” headed by Massachusetts Institute of Technology, along with Aurora Flight Sciences, Aerodyne Research Inc., Pratt and Whitney, and Boeing Phantom Works; total award $2.13 million.

Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation

“Advanced Concept Studies for Subsonic Commercial Transport Aircraft Entering Service in the 2030-2035 Time Period,” headed by Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, along with Tufts University, Sensis Corporation, Spirit Aerosystems Corporation, and Rolls-Royce North America Inc.; total award $1.97 million.


If successful in this first phase round, the companies will be asked to continue to perform more advanced work in phase two.

Juan Alonso, director of NASA Fundamental Aeronautics Program (NASA Headquarters, Washington, D.C.) states, “The future of air transportation is all about protecting the environment and responding to increasing energy costs in a balanced way."

Alonso adds, "We will need airplanes that are quieter and more fuel efficient, and cleaner-burning fuels to power them. We are challenging industry to introduce these new technologies without impairing the convenience, safety and security of commercial air transportation."