Aerospace Engineering Division, American Society of Mechanical Engineers

Aerospace Industries Association

American Association of Engineering Societies (representing 27 engineering societies with a membership of over 1 million engineers and scientists)

American Helicopter Society

American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers -- -U.S.A. (IEEE-USA)

NASA Aeronautics Support Team

NASA Alumni League

The Crisis in U.S Aviation
Research and Technology

We are deeply concerned about the lack of a national commitment to sustain U.S. leadership in aviation research and technology. While public demand for aviation transportation services is expanding, federal funding for civil and military aviation research is declining. Since 1998, the combined NASA and DoD investment in aeronautics research and technology programs has been reduced by one-third, and this trend is continuing. Advanced technologies are needed to assure public safety and on-time flight schedules. Without continued investment in aviation R&T, U.S. market share in aviation products and services will decline, as will employment in the nation’s aviation industry.

The NASA and DoD aeronautics R&T budgets have been cut dramatically over more than a decade, and tens of thousands of skilled workers have left the industry. U.S. graduates at the bachelor and master degree levels in aerospace engineering and related disciplines have dropped by 57 percent and 39 percent, respectively, since 1990. These facts, combined with the fact that the average age of those employed in the aerospace industry is in the mid-to-upper 40s and climbing, suggest a potentially catastrophic loss of one of the nation’s most important sources of societal benefits and balance of payments.

A clearly articulated vision for aviation research and technology is therefore required. This vision must be supported by a national aviation research and technology strategy that maintains and builds U.S. market share in aviation products and services, ensures our national security, provides a continuing supply of qualified people to meet the nation’s future aviation workforce needs and creates an environment conducive to a healthy U.S. aviation industry.

While U.S. government support for aviation research is declining, foreign government funding is increasing. European and Asian countries recognize the value of the aviation industry and its quality jobs to their economies. National will, available capital, and investments in leading edge technology are determining winners in this global competition.

According to a 1999 National Research Council report, "Recent Trends in US. Aeronautics Research and Technology,” the U.S. aviation and rotorcraft industries (Boeing, Pratt & Whitney, General Electric, General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin, Textron, and others) contribute approximately $436 billion per year of total output to the U.S. economy. Of this amount, air transportation and aircraft manufacturing account for approximately $339 billion, accounting for over half a million manufacturing and engineering jobs. If the American public expects the U.S. aviation industry to continue to be the largest positive contributor to U.S. balance of trade, then we must have the ability to develop the next generation of aircraft that will enable them to compete internationally.

The future of U.S. aviation, with respect to both global competition and societal benefits, depends on new technology and new concepts. Government research establishments have conducted essential fundamental and applied research, which were high risk, high cost, and long term. The uncertainty and risk inherent in revolutionary concepts cannot be undertaken solely by the private sector. The future demands a clear statement of national policy, establishing U.S. leadership both in aircraft and rotorcraft technology development that assures national security with additional societal benefits, such as:

• Increased safety
• Efficient air traffic management systems to reduce delays
• Advanced vehicle technologies for innovative applications
• More environmentally friendly aircraft ? Increased fuel efficiency
• Reduced air transportation cost and travel time.

Historically, the government’s support of aeronautics and rotorcraft research and technology (in collaboration with industry and universities) has been indispensable in for attracting highly talented people whose contributions have made possible the societal benefits that we have seen to date. If America fails to support aviation R&T, it may well fail to provide an essential nucleus of next generation professionals for the nation's aviation future.

Recommended Actions:

• The question of adequate funding for NASA and DOD aviation R&T must be addressed, not only with respect to the FY 2001 budget, but also – and even more significantly – with respect to the preservation of U.S. capability and leadership in long term aeronautics research and technology, as required by law.
• We strongly concur with the July 18, 2000, letter of the 18 Aerospace/Aviation Organizations submitted to the Senate VA, HUD and Independent Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, recommending that the Congress provide at least the President's FY 2001 Budget request for NASA aeronautics research.
• As the FY 2000 federal budget has generally subsumed aeronautical research and technology programs within an all- encompassing category termed “Aerospace Research and Technology,” it is essential that the aeronautics R&T programs at the key mission agencies (NASA, DOD and FAA) be clearly identified and adequately funded within this category.
• We strongly urge that the duties of the planned Commission on the future of the U.S. Aerospace Industry be broadened to include intensive consideration of NASA and DOD research in aviation.
• We further recommend the establishment of a National Aviation R&T policy to plan and provide adequate resources that will ensure sustained U.S. world leadership in civil and military aviation.

As we approach the centennial of the Wright Brothers' first flight, it is more important than ever that America renews our national commitment to leadership in aviation. In order to do so, we must ensure the strength and stability of the nation’s aviation infrastructure by formulating and committing to a national aviation research and technology policy that incorporates adequate federal funding for long- term aviation research.