NASA's Fundamental Aeronautics Program (FAP), works to enable a future where a variety of advanced aircraft exist that improve the flexibility, efficiency and environmental impact of air travel. As the nation transitions to an upgraded air-transportation system, FAP helps develop the tools, technologies and scientific knowledge to aid in the design of new types of vehicles that will fly faster, cleaner, quieter, and use less fuel. Researchers in this program also study ways to improve technology approaches to 21st century supersonic commercial airplanes and hypersonic vehicles.
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+ 2011 Technical Conference Recap Updated

Fundamental Aeronautics in the News
+ NASA Quiet Sonic Boom Research Ends with a Whisper
+ Aerogels: Thinner, Lighter, Stronger
+ Getting Loud Now; Enjoy Peace and Quiet Then
+ Back in the Air: X-48B Resumes Flight Tests at NASA Dryden
+ X-51A Makes Longest Scramjet Flight
+ Fundamental Aeronautics Design Competition High School Winners
   Announced
+ Chopper Crash Test a Smash Hit
+ Chopper Drop Tests New Technologies
+ From Nothing, Something: One Layer at a Time
+ NASA Launches New Technology: An Inflatable Heat Shield
+ NASA SMART Rotor Team Receives AHS Howard Hughes Award
+ NASA BWB Model Flies at Air and Space
+ Future Helicopters Get SMART

From Here to There in 2025

Welcome Aboard: Learn about NASA's contributions to our nation's aeronautics capabilities in recent decades.