APPENDIX A
STATEMENT OF TASK
The United States Air Force (USAF) Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC) is in the process of developing a master plan for ground test facilities and computational facilities that will be required over the next 20-30 years. AEDC has requested that the National Research Council (NRC) Aeronautics and Space Engineering Board (ASEB) assemble an ad hoc committee of experts to prepare a guide for planning and modernizing AEDC facilities for the development and testing of future classes of military aerospace systems as envisaged by the U.S. Air Force. The scope of the study should cover aerodynamic and aerothermal, propulsion (airbreathing, rocket, and space), space environmental, computational, and technical support facility requirements. The AEDC, Air Force laboratories, and Air Force product divisions are expected to provide supporting information.
In the above technical areas, the committee should consider the needs in each of the following areas:
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Facility Improvement and Modernization
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Maintenance and Repair
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Facility Upgrades
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Facility Closures
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Facility Replacements
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New Facilities
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Facility Technology Needs
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Facility Development Needs/Pilot Facilities
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Supporting Computational Facilities
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Other Technical Support Facilities
The study committee will meet approximately five times, at which times it will (1) identify anticipated facility needs based largely on Air Force projected systems requirements, (2) assess how well AEDC can satisfy future needs with existing and approved capabilities, and (3) recommend a guide to future facilities in accordance with the above criteria. Availability and appropriate use of other national facilities will be taken into consideration as well. The study committee should complete its deliberations and prepare a report, which will then undergo NRC report review procedures, by January of 1992. The study will result in an unclassified, published report by March 31, 1992. A classified addendum will be prepared if it is deemed appropriate.