2017 US Code
Title 51 - National and Commercial Space Programs
Subtitle IV - Aeronautics and Space Research and Education
Chapter 401 - Aeronautics
Subchapter II - High Priority Aeronautics Research and Development Programs
Sec. 40112 - Research and technology programs

(a) Supersonic Transport Research and Development.—The Administrator may establish an initiative with the objective of developing and demonstrating, in a relevant environment, airframe and propulsion technologies to enable efficient, economical overland flight of supersonic civil transport aircraft with no significant impact on the environment.

(b) Rotorcraft and Other Runway-Independent Air Vehicles.—The Administrator may establish a rotorcraft and other runway-independent air vehicles initiative with the objective of developing and demonstrating improved safety, noise, and environmental impact in a relevant environment.

(c) Hypersonics Research.—The Administrator may establish a hypersonics research program with the objective of exploring the science and technology of hypersonic flight using air-breathing propulsion concepts, through a mix of theoretical work, basic and applied research, and development of flight research demonstration vehicles. The program may also include the transition to the hypersonic range of Mach 3 to Mach 5.

(d) Revolutionary Aeronautical Concepts.—The Administrator may establish a research program which covers a unique range of subsonic, fixed wing vehicles and propulsion concepts. This research is intended to push technology barriers beyond current subsonic technology. Propulsion concepts include advanced materials, morphing engines, hybrid engines, and fuel cells.

(e) Fuel Cell-Powered Aircraft Research.—

(f) Mars Aircraft Research.—

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3379.)

Pub. L. 101–611, title I, §116, Nov. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 3202, provided that:

"(a) National Aero-Space Plane Program.—The Secretary of Defense (hereafter in this section referred to as the 'Secretary') and the Administrator shall jointly pursue on a high priority basis a National Aero-Space Plane program whose objective shall be the development and demonstration, by 1997, of a primarily air breathing single-stage-to-orbit and long range hypersonic cruise research flight vehicle. The program shall be a research program, and to the extent practicable technological information developed shall be transferred to the military and to the domestic civil aviation and other private industries.

"(b) Management Plan.—

[Pub. L. 101–611, title I, §127, Nov. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 3205, provided that: "For purposes of this title [see Tables for classification], the term 'Administrator' means the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration."]