3D Printing and the Future of Aeronautics - Langley Aerodrome No. 8.jpg

https://www.nasa.gov/image-feature/3...of-aeronautics

Today is National Aviation Day and progress is ongoing in the next evolution of
air mobility – all thanks to emerging 3D printing technology.

This image of a full-scale model of Langley Aerodrome No. 8 is being constructed
at NASA’s Langley Research Center. The LA-8 model will to contribute to the
agency’s Urban Air Mobility (UAM) initiative. “It’s definitely a new world with
3-D printing,” said engineering technician Sam James, pictured here. “It’s the
future without a doubt.”

About 80 percent of the model is built using 3D printers on center using nylon
and polycarbonate, which allows engineers to change the wings, the fuselage and
add other sections of the model such as propellers and computer hardware
rapidly.

Since 1939, August 19 has been celebrated as National Aviation Day, the legacy
of a presidential proclamation first made by Franklin D. Roosevelt to celebrate
the birthday of civil aviation pioneer Orville Wright. At NASA, aeronautics is
not only part of our name, it is an integral part of our mission. And, this year
we’re celebrating National Aviation Day on social media by highlighting some of
unique and surprising ways our aeronautics research impacts your daily life.
From innovative video games that help those with ADHD to using wind tunnels to
test automobiles, ships and wheelchairs, explore all the ways NASA is with you
when you fly–and beyond–by following us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.




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