The U.S. air transportation system is very important for our economic well-being and
national security. The nation is also the global leader in civil and military aeronautics, a position that needs to be maintained to help assure a strong future for the domestic and international air transportation system. Strong action is needed, however, to ensure that leadership role continues. To that end, the Congress and NASA requested the NRC to undertake a decadal survey of civil aeronautics research and technology (R&T) priorities that would help NASA fulfill its responsibility to preserve U.S. leadership in aeronautics
technology. This report presents a set of strategic objectives for the next decade of R&T. It provides a set of high-priority R&T challenges—-characterized by five common
themes—-for both NASA and non-NASA researchers, and an analysis of key barriers that must be overcome to reach the strategic objectives. The report also notes the importance of synergies between civil aeronautics R&T objectives and those of national security.Table of Contents


Front Matter
Executive Summary
1 Introduction
2 Process for Integration and Prioritization
3 Research and Technology Challenges
4 Common Themes and Key Barriers
5 Findings and Recommendations
A R&T Challenges for Aerodynamics and Aeroacoustics
B R&T Challenges for Propulsion and Power
C R&T Challenges for Materials and Structures
D R&T Challenges for Dynamics, Navigation, and Control, and Avionics
E R&T Challenges for Intelligent and Autonomous Systems, Operations and Decision Making, Human Integrated Systems, and Networking and Communications
F Lessons Learned from Other Federal Agencies
G Statement of Task and Work Plan
H Biographies of Committee and Panel Members
I Speakers
J Acronyms and Abbreviations