NASA Flight Research, Past and Future




AeroSociety Podcast show

Summary: This presentation will cover the conduct of experimental flight research at NASA Armstrong flight research X-airplanes. The talk starts with the 70th anniversary of the X-1 supersonic flight and a discussion of why this type of flight test became focused at Edwards Air Force Base. Early accomplishments in supersonic and hypersonic flight will be highlighted. The speaker also discusses his involvement with the X-31, X-38, and X-43. The talk will then transition to a discussion of the future of x-planes and the emphasis on all electric aircraft, quiet supersonic flight, and ultra-efficient commercial aircraft.