Objective
Investigate and mature technologies in support of delivering capabilities or improvements to aviation platforms (manned/unmanned) and air-ship operations; and developing other technologies specific to the air domain or aviation regime.
Operational Challenges
Increased complexity and cost of air vehicles; increased operational dependence upon unmanned systems and/or capabilities; extremely capable and advanced threats in the air domain.
Research Areas
- Aerodynamics
- Flight Dynamics and Control
- Materials and Structures
- Power, Propulsion and Thermal Management
- Autonomous Vehicles
- Artificial Intelligence
- Science of Autonomy
Research Applications
- Next-gen tactical aircraft and vertical lift
- Autonomous air, sea surface, undersea, ground and amphibious systems
- Revolutionary launch and recovery approaches
- Infinitely repairable airframes
- Live virtual constructive simulation-based certification processes
Sea-Based Aviation (SBA) National Naval Responsibilities (NNRs)
- Maintain the health/currency/technical superiority of identified Navy-unique science and technology (S&T) in order to provide:
- Robust U.S. research capability to address long-term S&T problems of interest to the Department of the Navy
- Adequate pipeline of new scientist and engineers in disciplines of Navy importance
- S&T products necessary to ensure future superiority in integrated naval warfare
- Includes:
- Aircraft - Launch and recovery, unsteady aerodynamics, flow control, advanced handling qualities, improved fixed-wing high-lift, enhanced V/STOL operations, autonomous deck operation and advanced concepts
- Structures - Mode characterization, lightweight materials, advanced composites, advanced structural concepts, degradation/corrosion, protection/maintenance, additive repair and engineered interfaces
- Propulsion - Advanced cycles, engine-airframe integration, power-dense turbomachinery, jet noise reduction, thermal management, hot-section materials/coatings, small UAV propulsion
Warfighting Payoff
- Reduced total ownership cost and increased life-cycle cost savings
- Increased operational availability, tempo, envelop
- Multi-platform, multi-use, scalable technologies
- Low-cost risk-worthy air assets (weapon-platform gap)
National Defense Strategy Key Capabilities Addressed
Missile defense, joint lethality in contested environments, forward maneuver and posture resilience
Science and Technology Programs
PROGRAM CONTACT INFORMATION
Name
Dr. David Gonzalez
Title
Naval Air Platforms Division Director (Acting)
Department
Code 351