Application of Systems Engineering Principles and Methods to an Advanced Technology Research Project

This thesis is a case study of the tailored application of modern systems engineering principles and methods to a joint sponsored research and development program. The Small Aircraft Transportation System program is a $100M class, 4 year proof-of-concept research and demonstration program jointly sponsored by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and a consortium of industry, universities, research institutes, and state and local aviation authorities. Its goals are to show that the introduction of emerging airborne and ground technologies and procedures in personal and business aircraft and at small, underutilized airports, can facilitate and accelerate the establishment of a viable personal transportation alternative to automobile and traditional commercial air travel that significantly improves our nation\u27s mobility. The specific research, development and evaluation principles, methods and tailoring are identified and discussed, along with the projected relevance of systems engineering and attendant benefits to this program