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KEY POLICY ISSUES 148 proach appears to be advantageous for the United States, if it continues to support research consistently at an adequate level. The development of new aeronautical technology involves long lead times, large expenditures, and massive facilities. Thus, the actions and decisions that could lead to a deterioration in the U.S. position might well be taken many years before their consequences become visible. Maintaining momentum in the effective aeronautical R&D complex that includes NASA, DOD, private industry, and to some extent, the FAA, is crucial to continued U.S. technological leadership. NASA is the linchpin in that complex. No other organization possesses the charter, public acceptance, resources, or capabilities to support such long-term, high-risk, expensive R&D. The relative priority assigned to NASA aeronautics versus space technology is of particular concern. Aeronautical R&D has diminished since the start of the space program. This study questions whether present priorities reflect appropriately the relative strategic, economic, and social importance of aviation compared with that of space. A second concern addresses the question of a gap in the flow from basic research to product development. NASA conducts basic and applied research and technology development in key areas of science and engineering. Private companies incorporate properly validated new technology into new aircraft. The crucial step of technology validation, including exposure of risk under flight or simulated flight conditions, represents at present a weakness in the sequence. The work is long-term, expensive, risky, and generic in character. NASA's charter recognizes its role in this phase, but it is not now being pursued in a manner to sustain national competitive advantage. The panel recommends that the entire validation process be reexamined. ACHIEVING SYNERGY BETWEEN NATIONAL SECURITY AND CIVIL AVIATION This study has called attention repeatedly to the close linkage between national security and civil aviation. The skills and capabilities required for production of civil and military aircraft are, to a large extent, common. This applies not only to the more obvious assembly of completed aircraft, but more particularly to the massive infrastructure of thousands of firms that supply materials, components, parts, etc. The design and manufacture of civil aircraft challenges the assemblage of technical skills of design and production teams, and manufacture of civil aircraft helps keep such teams in a high state of readiness and shares payment of their overhead with military programs.
