← Back to NASA Technology Projects
Completed TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 4)
The Multidisciplinary Design Analysis and Optimization (MDAO) Technical Challenge develops advanced design and optimization tools for coupled multidisciplinary analysis with a range of fidelities to shorten the design cycle of revolutionary new vehicles. It will use X-Plane ground and flight test data to validate the implementation of critical physics required to model new concept aircraft.
Successful completion of this Technical Challenge advances the state of the art in conceptual aircraft design and analysis tools. These new tools will be used for coupled multidisciplinary analysis of future aircraft concepts, allowing accurate assessment of their anticipated benefits with respect to fuel efficiency, noise, and emissions. They will enable mixed fidelity optimization to solve advanced aircraft MDAO problems efficiently. Reduced order models will be developed to accelerate design solutions. High-fidelity multi-disciplinary optimization with analytic derivatives will be integrated into the aircraft design cycle.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
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.
None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.