Appendix B
Statement of Task
The study committee will prepare a top-level assessment of the implications of recent trends in the U.S. aeronautics research and technology (R&T) program. The committee will complete the following tasks:
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Using available data, the committee will assess trends in the U.S. aeronautics R&T program over the past decade and how funds have been allocated to government, industry, and university researchers. The assessment will include elements of the aeronautics R&T program supported by both government agencies and industry. If sufficient data are available, the committee will undertake a comparable assessment of foreign investment in aeronautics R&T.
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The committee will familiarize itself with government-sponsored aeronautics R&T conducted at facilities operated by NASA, the FAA, the Department of Defense, universities, and U.S. industry. The committee will also familiarize itself with industry-sponsored aeronautics R&T.
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The committee will review prior studies on the appropriate role for government in civil aeronautics R&T. The committee, if warranted, will make recommendations for changes in this role in light of current trends.
The committee will prepare a short report that summarizes at a top level (1) the information collected by the committee, (2) findings concerning the impact that R&T program trends had on the current content of R&T programs, and (3) recommendations for enhancing the effectiveness of aeronautics R&T.
It is essential that the NRC deliver the committee’s report to NASA no later than September 15, 1999. The committee should limit the breadth and depth of its investigations as necessary to ensure that the report will be available on time.1 Also, the scope of the study only includes technology associated with aircraft and aircraft systems. The study will not explore safety issues related to operational or maintenance procedures, training, or the technology needs of ground-based air traffic control systems or airport security systems. The study will not include a review of classified information.
