The United States leads the world in the manufacture of commercial aircraft, and civil aviation is an important part of American life, providing safe travel and important economic benefits. However, the United States did not always hold this preeminent position in aeronautics, and there is no guarantee that the current success will last indefinitely. Continued leadership will depend upon many factors, including successful innovation in the design and manufacture of safe and affordable aircraft.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is currently developing advanced technologies as a foundation for the next breakthrough in civil aviation: an economically viable, environmentally acceptable supersonic transport. The High Speed Research Program is working with industry to identify and address critical technological challenges that must be overcome to initiate commercial development of a practical supersonic transport.

In support of the High Speed Research Program, NASA requested that the National Research Council conduct an independent assessment of the program's planning and progress. Areas of particular interest include the ability of technologies under development to meet program goals related to noise, emissions, service life, weight, range, and payload.

In response, the National Research Council established the High Speed Research Committee. The study committee met five times between June 1996 and January 1997, collecting information, assessing relevant issues, and generating appropriate recommendations. As detailed herein, the committee concluded the High Speed Research Program is well organized and has made substantial progress. Even so, significant changes are needed to enable the program to meet its stated objectives.

Gen Ronald W. Yates, U.S. Air Force (retired)

Chairman, High Speed Research Committee

The National Academy of Sciences is a private, nonprofit, self-perpetuating society of distinguished scholars engaged in scientific and engineering research, dedicated to the furtherance of science and technology and to their use for the general welfare. Upon the authority of the charter granted to it by the Congress in 1863, the Academy has a mandate that requires it to advise the federal government on scientific and technical matters. Dr. Bruce M. Alberts is president of the National Academy of Sciences.

The National Academy of Engineering was established in 1964, under the charter of the National Academy of Sciences, as a parallel organization of outstanding engineers. It is autonomous in its administration and in the selection of its members, sharing with the National Academy of Sciences the responsibility for advising the federal government. The National Academy of Engineering also sponsors engineering programs aimed at meeting national needs, encourages education and research, and recognizes the superior achievements of engineers. Dr. William A. Wulf is president of the National Academy of Engineering.

The Institute of Medicine was established in 1970 by the National Academy of Sciences to secure the services of eminent members of appropriate professions in the examination of policy matters pertaining to the health of the public. The Institute acts under the responsibility given to the National Academy of Sciences by its congressional charter to be an adviser to the federal government and, upon its own initiative, to identify issues of medical care, research, and education. Dr. Kenneth I. Shine is president of the Institute of Medicine.

The National Research Council was organized by the National Academy of Sciences in 1916 to associate the broad community of science and technology with the Academy's purposes of furthering knowledge and advising the federal government. Functioning in accordance with general policies determined by the Academy, the Council has become the principal operating agency of both the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering in providing services to the government, the public, and the scientific and engineering communities. The Council is administered jointly by both Academies and the Institute of Medicine. Dr. Bruce M. Alberts and Dr. William A. Wulf are chairman and vice chairman, respectively, of the National Research Council.