US Codex
Pub. L.
Notes

Title VI — Aeronautics

115th Congress · Approved Mar 21, 2017 · 131 Stat. 18

TITLE VI Aeronautics

SEC. 601. Sense of Congress on Aeronautics.

It is the sense of Congress that—
(1)
a robust aeronautics research portfolio will help maintain the United States status as a leader in aviation, enhance the competitiveness of the United States in the world economy, and improve the quality of life of all citizens;
(2)
aeronautics research is essential to the Administration’s mission, continues to be an important core element of the Administration’s mission, and should be supported;
(3)
the Administrator should coordinate and consult with relevant Federal agencies and the private sector to minimize duplication of efforts and leverage resources; and
(4)
carrying aeronautics research to a level of maturity that allows the Administration’s research results to be transferred to the users, whether private or public sector, is critical to their eventual adoption.

SEC. 602. Transformative Aeronautics Research.

It is the sense of Congress that the Administrator should look strategically into the future and ensure that the Administration’s Center personnel are at the leading edge of aeronautics research by encouraging investigations into the early-stage advancement of new processes, novel concepts, and innovative technologies that have the potential to meet national aeronautics needs.

SEC. 603. Hypersonic Research.

(a)
Roadmap for Hypersonic Research.— Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in consultation with the heads of other relevant Federal agencies, shall develop and submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a research and development roadmap for hypersonic aircraft research.
(b)
Objective.— The objective of the roadmap is to explore hypersonic science and technology using air-breathing propulsion concepts, through a mix of theoretical work, basic and applied research, and development of flight research demonstration vehicles.
(c)
Contents.— The roadmap shall recommend appropriate Federal agency contributions, coordination efforts, and technology milestones.

SEC. 604. Supersonic Research.

(a)
Findings.— Congress finds that—
(1)
the ability to fly commercial aircraft over land at supersonic speeds without adverse impacts on the environment or on local communities could open new global markets and enable new transportation capabilities; and
(2)
continuing the Administration’s research program is necessary to assess the impact in a relevant environment of commercial supersonic flight operations and provide the basis for establishing appropriate sonic boom standards for such flight operations.
(b)
Roadmap for Supersonic Research.—
(1)
In general.— Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall develop and submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a roadmap that allows for flexible funding profiles for supersonic aeronautics research and development.
(2)
Objective.— The objective of the roadmap is to develop and demonstrate, in a relevant environment, airframe and propulsion technologies to minimize the environmental impact, including noise, of supersonic overland flight in an efficient and economical manner.
(3)
Contents.— The roadmap shall include—
(A)
the baseline research as embodied by the Administration’s existing research on supersonic flight;
(B)
a list of specific technological, environmental, and other challenges that must be overcome to minimize the environmental impact, including noise, of supersonic overland flight;
(C)
a research plan to address the challenges under subparagraph (B), including a project timeline for accomplishing relevant research goals;
(D)
a plan for coordination with stakeholders, including relevant government agencies and industry; and
(E)
a plan for how the Administration will ensure that sonic boom research is coordinated as appropriate with relevant Federal agencies.

SEC. 605. Rotorcraft Research.

(a)
Roadmap for Rotorcraft Research.— Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in consultation with the heads of other relevant Federal agencies, shall prepare and submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a roadmap for research relating to rotorcraft and other runway-independent air vehicles.
(b)
Objective.— The objective of the roadmap is to develop and demonstrate improved safety, noise, and environmental impact in a relevant environment.
(c)
Contents.— The roadmap shall include specific goals for the research, a timeline for implementation, metrics for success, and guidelines for collaboration and coordination with industry and other Federal agencies.