NASA has acquired a second Tecnam P2006T fuselage to speed the evaluating process of Leading Edge Asynchronous Technology (LEAPtech), with the aim of developing safer, more energy efficient, and greener general aviation aircraft. X-57 is the first NASA X-plane to feature a fully distributed electric propulsion system, which researchers will use to demonstrate an increase […]
NASA
GA pilots help monitor Lake Erie algal blooms
It’s only a matter of time before the harmful algal bloom that has plagued Lake Erie begins to grow along the western basin and elsewhere this summer. This year, however, there will be a new tool employed to monitor the problem and spread the word to residents about toxic cyanobacteria. Dr. Rafat Ansari, senior scientist […]
NASA research plane gets X number, new name
WASHINGTON, D.C. — With 14 electric motors turning propellers and all of them integrated into a uniquely-designed wing, NASA will test new propulsion technology using an experimental airplane now designated the X-57 and nicknamed “Maxwell.” NASA Administrator Charles Bolden highlighted the agency’s first X-plane designation in a decade during a keynote speech at the American Institute […]
Museum of Flight hosts ‘Above and Beyond’ interactive exhibit
SEATTLE — Above and Beyond — The Ultimate Interactive Flight Exhibition that explores the wonder of flight and the marvels of aerospace innovation, design and technology, opens for the summer at The Museum of Flight on May 28, and will run through Sept. 10. This is the first West Coast destination for the touring exhibit. Above and Beyond is produced […]
NASA tests UAS traffic management platform
The largest test yet of NASA‘s Unmanned Aircraft Systems traffic management (UTM) research platform was held April 19 at six FAA UAS test sites. The test included up to 24 unmanned aircraft, commonly called drones, that were remotely flown simultaneously around the country. In Texas, at Port Mansfield, about two hours south of Corpus Christi, four […]
NASA licenses new technology for Remotely Piloted Aircraft
NASA officials report the agency has developed technology that may enable unmanned aircraft to fly safely in the national airspace along with piloted aircraft. The patent-pending integrated communications and control system is capable of collision warnings, as well as real-time traffic and weather updates, according to NASA officials. This communication system brings unmanned aircraft — […]
NASA launches competition for airspace redesign
NASA has launched a new competition for the redesign of our national airspace. Sky for All: Air Mobility for 2035 and Beyond is a $15,000 challenge to develop ideas for technologies that could be part of a clean-slate design and concept of operations for the airspace of the future. The challenge is open now. Deadline for submissions […]
Retired NASA pilot inducted into Virginia Aviation Hall of Fame
RICHMOND, Va. — A retired NASA pilot who has the distinction of being the only person in the world to have flown and tested both the Concorde and Russian TU-144 supersonic transports has been inducted into the Virginia Aviation Hall of Fame. Robert A. Rivers spent 14 years, from 1990 to 2004, as a research pilot at NASA’s […]
NASA tests ground collision avoidance technology at Oshkosh
NASA researchers chose pilots at this week’s AirVenture to evaluate improved ground collision avoidance technology that could soon find its way to a smartphone app or commercial glass cockpit systems. The technology, recently integrated in F-16 fighter jets and other military aircraft, is being adapted by engineers at NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center, Edwards, Calif., for use […]