Aerodynamic Efficiency Enhancements for Air Vehicles, Phase I

The need for aerodynamics-based efficiency enhancements for air vehicles is presented. Concepts are presented for morphing aircraft, to enable the aircraft to optimize its configuration for various flight regimes. Using simulations, wind tunnel testing, and benchtop hardware development, the feasibility of the concepts will be established in Phase I. In Phase II, flight testing will be performed to refine and finalize the designs. The concepts involve tailoring of the wing using adaptive surfaces to acheive drag reduction. This translates to benefits in range, endurance, manueuvering and speed characteristics of the air vehicle.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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.