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ERAST Aircraft are mission and business ready
X-Press Editor and Public Affairs Specialist One of NASA's aims is to develop the latest in technology, reduce the risks associated with using the new ideas and make it transferable to the private sector for commercialization. Dryden did its part Oct. 13 when it hosted the Environmental Research Aircraft and Sensor Technology (ERAST) Exclusive Preview. The event aimed to commercialize a whole series of new technologies developed and matured during the past five years. ERAST assisted in the flight research of a handful of high-altitude, long-endurance aircraft that can be used for Earth science and commercial benefit. Aircraft companies exhibited their new products Oct. 13, which they developed as part of the Dryden-based ERAST Project. The aircraft included the Pathfinder-Plus solar flying wing and the larger, 247-foot wingspan Helios Prototype. Displayed aircraft also included the unusual multi-configuration Proteus and the high-flying Altus II and Perseus B. Continued Official shows a world-wide value for ERASTBy Jay LevineX-Press Editor NASA's Environmental Research Aircraft and Sensor Technology Program (ERAST) is maturing technologies in aircraft that could be used world wide to monitor crops and for better predictions of the impact of natural disasters. These uses and many others make ERAST projects potentially world-wide problem solvers, said Larry Roeder, U.S. Department of State senior policy advisor on the International Emergency Information Program. Roeder told about 300 people attending Dryden's ERAST Exclusive Preview event Oct. 13 that the high fliers proven through flight research could be a critical step toward a better understanding the global environment and better planning for natural disasters. Continued |
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Responsible NASA Official: John Childress For questions, contact: Dryden Web Group Page Curator:WD-Team Modified: October 28, 1999 |
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