Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 124.djvu/3406

 124 STAT. 3380 PUBLIC LAW 111–314—DEC. 18, 2010 runway-independent air vehicles initiative with the objective of developing and demonstrating improved safety, noise, and environ- mental 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 Adminis- trator 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 cur- rent subsonic technology. Propulsion concepts include advanced materials, morphing engines, hybrid engines, and fuel cells. (e) FUEL CELL-POWERED AIRCRAFT RESEARCH.— (1) OBJECTIVE.—The Administrator may establish a fuel cell- powered aircraft research program whose objective shall be to develop and test concepts to enable a hydrogen fuel cell- powered aircraft that would have no hydrocarbon or nitrogen oxide emissions into the environment. (2) APPROACH.—The Administrator may establish a program of competitively awarded grants available to teams of researchers that may include the participation of individuals from universities, industry, and government for the conduct of this research. (f) MARS AIRCRAFT RESEARCH.— (1) OBJECTIVE.—The Administrator may establish a Mars Aircraft project whose objective shall be to develop and test concepts for an uncrewed aircraft that could operate for sus- tained periods in the atmosphere of Mars. (2) APPROACH.—The Administrator may establish a program of competitively awarded grants available to teams of researchers that may include the participation of individuals from universities, industry, and government for the conduct of this research. § 40113. Airspace systems research (a) OBJECTIVE.—The Airspace Systems Research program shall pursue research and development to enable revolutionary improve- ments to and modernization of the National Airspace System, as well as to enable the introduction of new systems for vehicles that can take advantage of an improved, modern air transportation system. (b) ALIGNMENT.—Not later than 1 year after December 30, 2005, the Administrator shall align the projects of the Airspace Systems Research program so that they directly support the objectives of the Joint Planning and Development Office’s Next Generation Air Transportation System Integrated Plan. § 40114. Aviation safety and security research (a) OBJECTIVE.—The Aviation Safety and Security Research pro- gram shall pursue research and development activities that directly address the safety and security needs of the National Airspace System and the aircraft that fly in it. The program shall develop