The Subsonic Fixed Wing Project conducts research to improve prediction methods and technologies that will produce lower noise, lower emissions, and higher performing subsonic aircraft for the Next Generation Air Transportation System.

Research Overview
Accommodating a level of air traffic in 2025 that may be double that of today will require passenger and cargo air vehicles that can take off and land on short runways. These vehicles will fly much cleaner and quieter while consuming less fuel.
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Reducing Noise
Ongoing project research efforts are focused on reducing noise produced by the engines, airframe, and landing gear of subsonic fixed-wing aircraft.
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Reducing Emissions
The projected growth of the air transportation system by a factor of two or more within the next 20 years has the potential to increase emissions of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (NOX), and water vapor. As a result, aggressive goals have been established to reduce fuel burn in future aircraft, which will, as a result, reduce emissions of CO2 and NOX.
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Reducing Fuel Burn
Fuel burn reductions will be achieved through the development of new technologies to increase engine efficiency while reducing drag and engine weight. In addition, novel integrated aircraft configurations are being developed to dramatically improve aircraft performance.
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+ Turbine Noise Generation in Turbofan Engines