This R&T challenge has the following milestones:

• Develop advanced instrumentation capable of measuring time-averaged and time-resolved flow parameters to validate design tools.

• Complete unit experiments based on generic inlets, isolators, combustors, and nozzles to provide to provide benchmark data sets for model validation.

• Conduct experiments on mode transition for validation of unsteady models.

• Assist DoD flight demonstration programs that are currently in progress.

The Propulsion and Experimental Capabilities elements of the Hypersonics Project include several tasks devoted to supporting the DoD’s X-51 Program, which is developing and testing hydrocarbon scramjet technology. The Hypersonics Project also includes diagnostics research related to this challenge that is being conducted alongside the X-51 tests.

This R&T challenge has the following milestones:

• Produce a detailed set of requirements and design specification for flight monitoring systems deployed on manned and unmanned aircraft.

• Demonstrate algorithms and knowledge to enable a flight monitoring system that accurately anticipates, detects, and diagnoses flight plan deviations.

• Demonstrate the ability to more accurately project the near-term results of manipulating aircraft controls and inform pilots of likely consequences in terms of aircraft motion, potential collisions, airspace violations, etc.

• Design protocols for disseminating information from flight monitoring systems locally and throughout the air transportation system.

• Specify corrective actions appropriate for manned and unmanned aircraft in response to unplanned deviations detected by a flight monitoring system.

The Integrated Intelligent Flight Deck Project is supporting substantial research related to manned aircraft, but it is not dealing with unmanned aircraft.

NRC (National Research Council). 2006. Decadal Survey of Civil Aeronautics: Foundation for the Future. Washington, D.C.: The National Academies Press. Available online at <http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11664>.

NSTC (National Science and Technology Council). 2006. National Aeronautics Research and Development Policy. Washington, D.C.: Office of Science and Technology Policy. Available online at <www.ostp.gov/html/NationalAeroR&DPolicy12-19-06.pdf>.

NSTC. 2007. National Plan for Aeronautics Research and Development and Related Infrastructure. Washington, D.C.: Office of Science and Technology Policy. Available online at <www.aeronautics.nasa.gov/releases/12_21_07_release.htm>.