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Cross-cutting Aeronautics

Description:

A strong national program of research and development (R&D) for aeronautics technology forms the foundation of the U.S. aeronautics and aviation enterprise. Aeronautics R&D is critical for national security and homeland defense, an efficient national air transportation system, and the economic well-being and quality of life of our citizens. The National Aeronautics Research and Development Plan (Plan) lays out high-priority national aeronautics R&D challenges, goals, and supporting objectives to guide the conduct of U.S. The Plan includes an important new goal regarding the integration of unmanned aircraft systems into the National Airspace System. In addition, this R&D Plan: • Supports the coordinated efforts of the Federal departments and agencies in the pursuit of stable and long-term foundational research. • Ensures U.S. technological leadership in aeronautics for national security and homeland defense capabilities. • Advances aeronautics research to improve aviation safety, air transportation, and reduce the environmental impacts of aviation. • Promotes the advancement of fuel efficiency and energy independence in the aviation sector. • Spurs the development of innovative technologies that enable new products and services. Most of the R&D goals and objectives will require stable and long-term foundational research across a breadth of aeronautics disciplines to provide the underlying basis for new technological advances and breakthroughs. Such foundational research is often cross-cutting, resulting in technology advances that have applications across several Principles Moreover, new ideas and technologies that are generated by foundational research will help inform future updates to the National Aeronautics Research and Development Plan.
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