ROA 2009 A.3 Subsonic Rotary Wing Project (SSRW1) | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): ROA 2009 A.3 Subsonic Rotary Wing Project (SSRW1)

What is the ROA 2009 A.3 Subsonic Rotary Wing Project (SSRW1) opportunity?

ROA 2009 A.3 Subsonic Rotary Wing Project (SSRW1) is a NASA Headquarters research funding opportunity released under the Fundamental Aeronautics program. It appears under NASA Research Announcement Funding Opportunity Number NNH09ZEA001N, element SSRW1.

What is the main goal of this funding opportunity?

The core aim is to strengthen the scientific and engineering foundation needed to design the next generation of rotorcraft by creating validated, physics-based, multidisciplinary design and analysis tools. The practical intent is to improve prediction of real-world rotorcraft behavior and connect those predictive tools to technology development so future aircraft can reliably "fly as designed" across a wide range of missions.

What kinds of research is NASA looking to fund?

NASA is seeking research focused on integrated, multidisciplinary, first-principles computational tools tailored to rotary-wing challenges. The emphasis is on improving underlying physics modeling (rather than relying mainly on empirical tuning) and producing outputs that strengthen prediction capability and validation against data, not just isolated component studies.

Why does NASA emphasize multidisciplinary, integrated tools for rotorcraft?

Rotorcraft performance and safety are governed by strongly coupled aerodynamics, structures, dynamics, controls, acoustics, and propulsion effects. These interactions vary across the rotor disk and can change rapidly over time, making rotorcraft design problems particularly difficult compared to many fixed-wing problems.

What are the key technical emphasis areas mentioned in the notice?

The technical emphasis is on integrated, multidisciplinary, first-principles computational tools that address the unique and persistent problems of rotary-wing flight, with a focus on better physics-based modeling and validated prediction tools.

What outcomes or deliverables does NASA appear to expect from funded work?

Based on the notice, NASA expects research outputs that measurably improve prediction capability and include validation against data. The intent is to produce meaningful advances in design and analysis tools and enabling technologies relevant to rotorcraft, rather than producing narrow, standalone component results.

How does NASA describe the broader mission or impact for this project?

The project is centered on the civil utility of rotorcraft. NASA frames desired advances around improved efficiency and productivity (including aerodynamic performance gains and structural weight improvements) to support higher speed, larger payload, longer range, and better maneuverability. Environmental acceptance is also a major driver, with particular attention to noise and handling qualities.

Does this opportunity focus on noise and environmental acceptance?

Yes. Environmental acceptance is described as a major driver, and rotorcraft noise is explicitly highlighted, along with handling qualities, as an area of attention.

Does the notice encourage work on nontraditional rotorcraft configurations?

Yes. The notice notes that effective design tools can open the door to new and challenging configurations, and part of the motivation is to develop robust fundamentals so designers can explore nontraditional concepts with confidence.

What makes rotorcraft such a challenging problem area, according to NASA?

NASA describes rotorcraft as one of the most complex problems in aeronautics and points to several difficult physics and operating factors, including complex three-dimensional rotor and fuselage structures, unsteady aerodynamic flows spanning low subsonic through high transonic regimes, dynamic stall on rotor components, harsh operating environments, heavily loaded propulsion systems, and inherent static instability.

Is this opportunity only about basic research, or does it connect to technology development?

The notice explicitly links improved predictive tools with technology development, with the aim of enabling aircraft that can "fly as designed." It also references both foundational and applied research relevant to rotorcraft configurations and integration challenges.

What program is this opportunity associated with?

This opportunity was released under NASA's Fundamental Aeronautics program.

What is the funding mechanism for this announcement?

The opportunity was issued as a discretionary NASA Research Announcement. Awards may be made as cooperative agreements, grants, or procurement contracts.

What is the activity category for this funding opportunity?

The activity category is listed as science and technology and other research and development.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No cost sharing or matching requirement is stated in the notice.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is described as broadly unrestricted (open to any entity type), with the caveat that applicants should follow any eligibility clarifications included in the full announcement text.

Does NASA indicate any preference for certain types of partners or teams?

NASA indicates an intent to leverage its in-house foundational work by partnering with academic institutions, nonprofit organizations, and industry teams conducting foundational and applied research relevant to rotorcraft configurations and integration challenges.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number and element for this call?

The Funding Opportunity Number is NNH09ZEA001N, and the element is SSRW1.

What are the key dates for this opportunity?

The posted date is October 6, 2009. The original/current closing date is November 20, 2009. The archive date is December 20, 2009.

Who are the listed contacts for the program?

The notice lists Susan A. Gorton (Subsonic Rotary Wing Project Investigator), Isaac Lopez (Subsonic Rotary Wing Project Scientist), and Kelly Kaplan (procurement point of contact).

What should applicants do if they need complete details or have trouble accessing the full announcement?

The notice instructs applicants to use the full announcement link for complete details and to reach out to the listed contacts if there are access issues.