ARIES
A Boeing 757-200 aircraft obtained by NASA in 1994 is now serving as a "flying
laboratory" for aeronautical research. The aircraft is being modified extensively
for a broad range of flight research programs in the next 20 years to benefit
the U.S. aviation industry and commercial airline customers. Called ARIES, or
Airborne Research Integrated Experiments System, the aircraft is being used
to conduct research to increase aircraft safety, operating efficiency and compatibility
with future air traffic control systems. It is a vital research tool in support
of the agency's Aviation Safety and Aviation Systems Capacity programs.
The 757 will support research and development of the aeronautical sub-systems for the airlines and the airframe
and systems manufacturers. Already the airplane has been used for several research programs, including:
Flight tests using Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite data to perform automated landings of the airplane.
the study of jet-engine contrails to determine their effects on the atmosphere.
testing of a system to improve the safety and efficiency of aircraft during
landing, taxiing and takeoff by giving pilots a computerized map showing airport
ground operations.
Future research will focus on technologies to improve air safety and efficiency, including:
Evaluation of a system that would provide pilots with better strategic and tactical weather information while
in flight.
Testing of an airborne system that allows closely-spaced approaches to landings during reduced visibility to
increase airport capacity.
Runway friction research.
ARIES 757 Facts
Four research documentation video cameras are on the 757, three
may be arranged anywhere within or on the airplane, and one on the
tail that provides a "bird's eye view" of the wings and
front of the ARIES 757. Eight video recorders support the cameras,
flight displays and other data collection.
Over 1,000 different data parameters are recorded throughout a research
flight. Additional parameters may be specified for recording during
tests.
Twelve test pallets/research work stations are in the baseline layout. Others are added depending on research
needs.
The 757 is 155'3" long, and 44'6" high at its tallest point, the tail. It measures 124'10" wingtip
to wingtip.
The ARIES 757 is maintained and flown by NASA's Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va.
