Technology Development and Transition Carol A. Cash, Chair Aeronautics Subcommittee AIAA Public Policy Committee
Aero R&D Plan calls for technology advancement but does not address The Issues Aero R&D Plan calls for technology advancement but does not address High-risk research Infrastructure sustainment Financial commitment Research budgets constrained due to funding cuts and sequestration Increased risk aversion impacting US leadership in aerospace No disciplined methodology to assess technology maturation STPI study revealed 70 barriers to technology transition Need to energize tomorrow’s workforce Focus on aeronautics but applicable to other aerospace sectors
Support “X-plane” competitions and capability demonstrations Recommendations Invest in balanced risk portfolio with demonstration “off-ramps” leading to technology transition Support “X-plane” competitions and capability demonstrations Require programs to include frequent demonstrations to validate technologies