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Aerodynamically Actuated Radical Shape Change
Completed
TRL 3 (started at 1, targeting 3)
Description
Aerodynamic-actuation enables radical shape change at reduced weight. Additionally, this concept uses the shape-change actuation as a primary flight control thereby simplifying the design and saving further weight. These weight savings enable radical change with viable weight penalties. Our efforts will first evaluate the shape-change concept on a systems level to gain quantitative predictions of overall structural weight and aircraft performance for a given payload. Comparison calculations will be made for a modern conventional aircraft.
Benefits
The project will enable Point to Point Aviation.
Details
| Technology area | Flight Vehicle Systems > Aeroscience > Advanced Atmospheric Flight Vehicles |
| Program | Center Innovation Fund: LaRC CIF (LaRC CIF) |
| Lead organization | Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA |
| Start date | 2015-10-01 |
| End date | 2016-09-30 |
Project contacts
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
How to get involved
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.
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