Flight Demonstrations and Capabilities Project
This Flight Demonstrations and Capabilities (FDC) project conducts complex and integrated flight research demonstrations in support of Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD) programs. FDC also operates, sustains and enhances the specific flight research and test capabilities – from test and support aircraft to a full test range – needed to achieve technical goals in ARMD’s Strategic Plan, other NASA mission directorate activities, and national strategic needs.
project manager
Tom Horn
deputy project manager for capabilities
Karla Shy
Deputy Project Manager for Strategy and Planning
Dan Williams
Flight Research Facilities
The FDC project validates benefits associated with critical technologies through focused flight experiments. Through the integration of appropriate flight test capabilities and assets – whether from NASA, other government agencies or industry – FDC campaigns focus on aggressive, success-oriented schedules using the best collection of assets. The FDC project supports tests of technology at all phases of maturation. These activities support research within all six aeronautics strategic thrust areas outlined in ARMD's Strategic Implementation Plan.
NASA’s Chase Aircraft Gets a Facelift
An F/A-18 aircraft received from the U.S. Navy in 2021 has been rejuvenated, had its NASA colors added, and is close to flight certification at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center, in Edwards, California.
Learn More About NASA's Chase Aircraft Facelift about NASA’s Chase Aircraft Gets a Facelift