Wichita State’s National Institute for Aviation Research plans to build its capability to study solutions to aging aircraft systems, aviation human factors, fuel tank safety and other important issues with the help of a $5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The funding will have an immediate impact on NIAR with important future ramifications, according to Ramesh Agarwal, executive director of NIAR.

"It is very important because it will allow us to move to another level in terms of research and in building the infrastructure," said Agarwal.

"Whatever we establish with the help of this $5 million, we want to create a capability that makes us competent and strong in bidding for future contracts. This is an investment for the future."

According to Agarwal, the money will significantly enhance current research activities in composite materials, damage tolerance, crashworthiness and icing.

In addition, NIAR hopes to establish new areas of expertise in aging aircraft systems, aviation human factors, fuel tank safety and fire safety, and increase activity in developing databases. There also is interest in aircraft control under adverse weather conditions.

"The reason these areas are important is that the Federal Aviation Administration is interested in these areas, and they are all related to aviation safety," said Agarwal.

Some new faculty research staff may be recruited in areas where NIAR currently lacks the needed expertise.

Equipment is another major need. "Some of the computing and laboratory equipment for performing research may also come from this grant," said Agarwal. "It will not only add to our infrastructure, but will also help in upgrading the existing labs and in establishing new laboratories."

NIAR currently has labs for aviation human factors, composite materials, crashworthiness and icing, but Agarwal wants to establish additional labs in control systems, fire safety and aging aircraft systems.

Existing facilities also need attention. "Any given capability may be world-class at a given time. However, they will eventually become obsolete unless you keep investing in them," said Agarwal.

He noted that the wind tunnel is 50 years old and will need attention soon in order to remain viable. "Everybody understands that computers can become obsolete. This is also true of wind tunnels and other experimental facilities. Their life span is only so long."

Negotiations with the FAA about specific projects will occur during the next several months before being finalized, according to Agarwal.

Agarwal credited Sen. Pat Roberts, Rep. Todd Tiahrt and aviation leaders in Wichita for making the funding a reality.

"NIAR is designated by the FAA as an Airworthiness Assurance Center of Excellence and plays an important role in addressing the aviation industry’s research needs," said Tiahrt, a member of the House/ Senate Conference Committee on the fiscal year 2000 Transportation Appropriations Act.

"My goal is to capitalize on the momentum created by the infusion of these funds," said Agarwal. "The new funding will help NIAR become a world-class research and development center in aviation safety technologies and do more for the aviation industry in Kansas."