The Focus Is On Aerospace Design

Some of the most important tools created by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to study the effects of aerodynamics on aircraft design are now on display at the EAA AirVenture Museum, adjacent to Wittman Field in Oshkosh, WI.

The Appleton (WI) Post-Cresent reports the new exhibit -- "Aerospace Design: The Art of Engineering from NASA's Aeronautical Research" -- was constructed in 2003 by NASA and the Art Institute of Chicago to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Wright brothers' first flight. It includes over 70 objects used in aeronautical and wind tunnel research, including actual models used during testing.

One of the earliest models, a handcrafted mahogany biplane, was crafted by the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) -- forerunner to NASA -- in 1915... when flight was, quite literally, just starting to take off.

EAA officials say the purpose of the exhibit -- which will be on display during AirVenture 2007, and throughout October -- is to highlight the contributions and creativeness NASA engineers used to study aircraft design.

Also showcased in the exhibit are the original rocket engine from Chuck Yeager's Bell X-1, the first aircraft to fly faster than the speed of sound, and wind tunnel models of the space shuttle.

FMI: www.eaa.org