U.S. Government Unveils Vision for Global Aeronautics Leadership

Executive Summary

Since the development of aircraft and the advent of heavier-than-air flight, the United States has been a world leader in aeronautics research and technologies. The U.S. Government has a vision for continued global leadership in aeronautics. This document describes that vision, as manifested by the U.S. Government’s top aeronautics strategic priorities, and as shaped by the U.S. Government’s guiding principles. As such, this document updates and replaces the “2006 National Aeronautics Research and Development Policy”.

The U.S. Government’s top aeronautics strategic priorities are: (1) achieving sustainable aviation; (2) transforming the national airspace system; and (3) promoting connectivity and speed.

The U.S. Government is committed to achieving sustainable aviation to reduce and eventually eliminate the greenhouse gas emissions from aviation by implementing the U.S. 2021 Aviation Climate Action Plan and the Climate Adaptation Plans for each Federal department and agency. Maintaining the nation’s edge in aeronautics requires increased use of data, software, automation, and artificial intelligence to integrate drones, Advanced Air Mobility aircraft, and other emerging technologies into the National Airspace System. The U.S. Government will also transition its legacy systems, and modernize and adapt regulatory and operational structures. It will continue to invest in maintaining, enhancing, and advancing national security through superior aircraft and technologies, from subsonic through hypersonic technologies, that emphasize speed. The U.S. Government will also promote connectivity through supporting the development of Advanced Air Mobility to enable more connections to less utilized airports and underserved communities, and a competitive airline industry that results in lower costs for air travel.

Across all priorities, the U.S. Government’s efforts will be guided by these principles, which reflect enduring American values: (1) Safety, (2) Environment, (3) Economic Competitiveness, (4) Innovation, (5) Security, (6) Workforce, and (7) Equity.

The choices and investments made today will determine our competitive position long into the future. By highlighting these priorities and principles, it is the United States’ intent to empower aeronautics stakeholders across the U.S. Government and private sector to work collaboratively toward achieving these goals. The United States will remain globally competitive in aeronautics innovations through ground-breaking research and development (R&D), the implementation of efficient, timely regulations, and close cooperation with domestic and international partners. By achieving the three top aeronautics strategic priorities, the U.S. Government will ensure that the United States remains the global leader in aeronautics in the 21st century and beyond.