Suggested Searches

Richard Coppenbarger, NASA Ames Research Center

Richard Coppenbarger

Contents

Center: NASA Ames Research Center (ARC)

Division: Aviation Systems Division

Branch: Flight Trajectory Dynamics and Controls Branch

Professional Biography

Rich Coppenbarger has been with NASA Ames Research Center since 1988. He received his B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Arizona and his M.S. in Aeronautical and Astronautical engineering from Stanford. Mr. Coppenbarger has been a lead researcher on numerous projects in the areas of microburst wind shear, rotorcraft obstacle avoidance, and air traffic management. His air traffic management research has focused on automation for capacity-constrained arrival operations, datalink communications, flight system interoperability, airport operations, and Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS). Mr. Coppenbarger led the development of the Efficient Descent Advisor (EDA) and related collaborative efforts with FAA and industry such as 3D-Path Arrival Management (3D-PAM), Tailored Arrivals, and ecoDemonstrator for airline fuel savings and environmental benefits. He has evolved technologies from early concept exploration and simulation studies to flight test, culminating in several successful technology transfers to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and industry. He has authored/co-authored over 30 research papers and is an Associate Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA). His current research is focused on technology development and data analysis for integrating increasingly autonomous UAS operations into the National Airspace System.

Recent Awards

  • 2021 NASA Spotlight Award for Sustainable Aviation Operations Planning
  • 2021 NASA Group Achievement Award for ecoDemonstrator/ Tailored Arrival Manager
  • 2019 NASA Group Achievement Award for Urban Air Mobility Coordination and Assessment
  • 2018 NASA AA Technology and Innovation Group Award for ATD-2
  • 2016 Digital Avionics Systems Conference, Best Paper in Session
  • 2014 Aviation Systems Division Spotlight Award for Integrated Arrival, Departure, and Surface Planning
  • 2012 NASA Group Achievement Award for 3D-PAM
  • 2011 FAA Certificate of Recognition for 3D-PAM
  • 2009 NASA Exceptional Technology Achievement Medal
  • 2008 Ames Honor Award for the EDA and Tailored Arrivals Research Team
  • 2008 Aeronautics Directorate Technical Excellence in Publications Award
  • 2007 Award for Best Paper at the AIAA Aviation Technology, Integration and Operations Conference