National Institute for Aviation Research, Wichita State University

06/18/2024

Registration closes this Friday for our June Luncheon on Wednesday, June 26! We hope you can join us at Henry's Place at NICHE to hear from Shawn Vick, Operating Partner at AE Industrial. During the luncheon, Shawn will share his experience and insight on the industry and private equity investment in the Greater Wichita region.

Registration link: www.wichitaaero.club/monthly-events/2024/june-luncheon

Date: Wednesday, June 26, 2024
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Location: Henry's Place at NICHE (124 S. Broadway)

Tickets are $35 for members and $40 for non-members. Lunch and beverages will be provided.

Thank you to our luncheon sponsors, Mid-Continent Aviation Services andYingling Aviation!

06/06/2024

Learn the basics of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing with this 4-day class June 24-24. GD&T is applicable in aerospace, auto, defense, space & ag industries. www.wichita.edu/industry_and_defense/NIAR/Training/amp-gdt-concepts.php

06/05/2024

There's still time to register for next week's class on AFP Operations and Maintenance. Get ahead of the curve on this game-changing technology!

https://www.wichita.edu/industry_and_defense/NIAR/Workshops/afp-operations-maintenance-class.php

05/30/2024

Registration is now open for the Automated Fiber Placement Operations & Maintenance Class June 10-14. Learn to operate and maintain an Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) machine using basic and advanced functions. This four-day hands-on class includes instruction on compatible materials, machine limitations and challenges associated with performing a successful layup. Attendees will also learn how to disassemble certain modules and parts on the machine. Register now, capacity is limited. https://www.wichita.edu/industry_and_defense/NIAR/Workshops/afp-operations-maintenance-class.php

05/21/2024

NIAR’s Advanced Technologies Lab for Aerospace Systems (ATLAS) recently partnered with A & P Technology and Fiber Dynamics, Inc. to build a composite inlet duct for a combat drone aircraft using a novel overbraiding technology. The project is part of the Air Force Research Laboratory - AFRL's Manufacturing for Affordable Sustainable Composites (MASC) program, a proof-of-concept for low-cost, high-rate production worthiness. Visit us at in booth C16 to learn more! www.wichita.edu/industry_and_defense/NIAR/MediaCenter/2024-05-20.php

05/17/2024

The 2024 COExperience took place in Dallas this week, and two NIAR employees brought awards back to ICT. Research associate Jeremy Sitz took 1st place in the esteemed Top Gun competition and Hunter Robertson took 3rd place. Robertson is a senior at Wichita State University College of Engineering. The Top Gun competition identifies the “Best of the Best" CATIA engineers and designers through a competition that tests their skills at developing the most accurate and correctly-structured three-dimensional model, in the least amount of time. NIAR staff have a history of bringing home honors in the competition. Wichita State University student Dane Moorhead placed 2nd in 2023. Congratulations to all our winners past and present!

05/16/2024

Join us for a virtual Introduction of Automotive-Matured Surface Technologies and High-Rate Thermoplastic Aerospace Applications on June 12 at 10 a.m. CST, presented by KraussMaffei. Register www.compositesworld.com/events/details/introduction-of-automotive-matured-technologies-for-high-rate-aerospace-applications

05/14/2024

NIAR will receive more than $10 million from NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration for research related to the development and implementation of advanced materials for hypersonic applications. The funding will enable continued research aimed at developing and maturing high temperature advanced materials for use in hot structures and thermal protection systems for hypersonic vehicles.
www.wichita.edu/about/wsunews-releases/2024/05-may/NASAfunding_3.php

05/06/2024

We're thrilled to announce we recently broke ground on a new restrained flight test facility for electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles (eVTOL), which will include out-of-ground and in-ground effect test rigs. The facility will provide eVTOL developers with a controlled environment for conducting restrained operation of test vehicles for research and testing to assess thrust characteristics, aerodynamics, system performance and failure conditions.
www.wichita.edu/about/wsunews-releases/2024/05-may/evtol_3.php

05/06/2024

Wichita State University Industry and Defense Programs (IDP) is proud to announce that Chris Snyder, IDP director of information technology and security, received the Trailblazing Chief Information Security Officer award from Cyber Defense Magazine, the industry’s leading electronic information security magazine.

Snyder leads the Information Technology team and cybersecurity program for IDP. His team supports over 1,500 employees working within 22 distinct research labs and technology centers. Prior to joining WSU, Chris spent 30 years in Air Force cyberspace operations and airspace management. His Air Force career included multiple command positions, highlighted by his selection to stand up a diverse new Cyber Operations Group, comprised of a Security Operations Center, a cyber hunt team and a cyber red team.

05/02/2024

We are proud to be a partner in this key initiative for sustainment of the KC-135 fleet.

As the Air Force continues to reshape, refocus and reoptimize to deter and prevail during the Great Power Competition, innovation and sustainability have become critical in reaching that goal.

04/16/2024

Wichita Aero Club's golf tournament is back, and we're excited to hit the green on May 6. ⛳️ We want to see you too, and we challenge our clients and partners to join us for a day on the course to support STEM outreach in Wichita. Secure your team today at https://www.wichitaaero.club/monthly-events/2024/wac-golf-classic

03/23/2024

Register now for Fundamentals of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing April 23-25 at Wichita State University. Attendees will gain a practical understanding of fundamental GD&T, including an in-depth study of geometric characteristics and tolerance zones in an easy-to-understand format. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own drawings for class review and should have a basic knowledge of how to read blueprints and engineering drawings. Certificate of completion from WSU-NIAR provided. Conforms to the Standard ASME Y14.5M-2018.
https://www.wichita.edu/industry_and_defense/NIAR/Training/amp-gdt.php

03/13/2024

📢 ❗ New Training Alert 📢 ❗
INTRODUCTORY ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
A 3-day training that incorporates hands-on exercises and discussion.
· Covers background, applications, materials, processes and advantages of additive manufacturing (AM)
· Provides basic level info on the AM workflow, terminology, standards and CAD skills required to create a simple 3D part
· Hands-on training for modeling, STL file generation, slicing, printing and post-processing on a Prusa 3D printer
REGISTER: https://www.wichita.edu/industry_and_defense/NIAR/Training/am-certificate-program.php

03/12/2024

What better way to spend spring break than learning about smart manufacturing! We have a good crowd at Wichita State University today for the Intro to Smart Manufacturing Technology Workshop.

09/22/2023

The NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration Space Apps Challenge is back in Wichita Oct. 7-8! We invite coders, entrepreneurs, scientists, designers, storytellers, makers, builders, artists and technologists of all ages to come together in a global hackathon using open-source data from NASA and its Space Agency Partners. The challenge is open to all ages, and teams can choose from 31 challenges focused on topics such as Artemis II, Space Biology, Eclipses, Water Conservation, Geomagnetic Storms, Biodiversity, Moonquakes, Fire Management and many more. Register ASAP! https://www.wichita.edu/industry_and_defense/NIAR/MediaCenter/2023-09-13.php

09/12/2023

Registration is now open for the Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) Programming Class! Learn how to program Automated Fiber Placement machines through NIAR and CG Tech's one-week AFP Programming course. You will gain an understanding of the process and which machines will help you accomplish your goals. The course takes place Sept. 25-29 at the NIAR South Oliver location. Learn more and register at: https://www.wichita.edu/industry_and_defense/NIAR/Workshops/afp-programming-class.php

09/11/2023

Increase efficiency with the implementation of composites! Learn how to program Automated Fiber Placement machines through NIAR and CG Tech’s one-week AFP Programming course. You will gain an understanding of the process and which machines will help you accomplish your goals. The course takes place Sept. 25-29 at the NIAR South Oliver location. Registration opens TOMORROW, Sept. 12, 2023. Learn more at: https://www.wichita.edu/industry_and_defense/NIAR/Workshops/afp-programming-class.php

09/07/2023

We're embarking on a new study of digital twins for advanced manufacturing, and we need your input! Technology Assessment of Virtual Commissioning for Day One Manufacturing Readiness, involves the development of digital twins for complex manufacturing systems to reduce costs, errors, and hazards that may not be apparent in the design phase. We're seeking reps for an expert steering committee to assess technology gaps in virtual commissioning and the creation of digital twins for physical robotic/automation cells. To contribute, visit https://wichitastate.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eW1eFaFS4y0iuaO.

This collaboration with Spirit AeroSystems, Inc. is made possible by an award from the ARM Institute.

Learn more: https://www.wichita.edu/industry_and_defense/NIAR/MediaCenter/2023-09-06.php

08/31/2023

We had a great time meeting with students today at the annual Shocker Career Accelerator Root beer Kegger. We hope to see you in the labs some day soon!

08/28/2023

Wichita Corporate Challenge round-up! Last week the Disc Golf team of Kyle Schluben and Kat Baker placed 2nd! Soccer and softball placed 4th, and the team had a strong showing at the track meet yesterday with multiple 3rd and 4th place finishes, ending the day as Tug-of-War CHAMPIONS!!! Thank you and congratulations to all who participated. Trivia tonight and volleyball tomorrow to finish out the games!

08/24/2023

We're hiring! The Full-Scale Structural Test Lab is looking for a 2nd shift Test Mechanic to conduct and assist with structural test activities, including airframe visual inspection, fabrication, and assembly of test setup. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated knowledge of sheet metal work; capable of reading CATIA drawings and engineering blueprints; knowledge of major aircraft structural components and typical damage types observed on aircraft components. $18-29 hourly with great benefits!
https://jobs.wichita.edu/postings/30438

08/22/2023

Over the last few days of the Corporate Challenge NIAR has placed 2nd in Rocket League and Golf! Way to go!

08/19/2023

The 5K team braved the heat this morning for the Corporate Challenge! Way to go team!!

08/18/2023

Day 2 of the Wichita Corporate Challenge with the pickleball team. Keep it up NIAR!

08/18/2023

The Wichita Corporate Challenge kicked off last night, and our men's basketball team snagged 3rd place! Congrats to the women's team as well for putting six points on the board. Co****le and pickleball at Chicken N Pickle - Wichita at 4 pm. Let's go!!

08/14/2023

Pull A Plane is back on Saturday, Oct. 7, and so is our team! Visit the link below to join or donate. Funds benefit WSU Tech student scholarships through the WSU Tech Foundation.

If we can pull a plane apart, surely, we can pull a plane 25 feet.

08/09/2023

Recently, leaders from NIAR and Firepoint at Wichita State University met with leaders and soldiers in the US.Army 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) in Ft. Campbell, Ky. The group discussed on-going and future research projects and toured hangars and maintenance shop areas led by Major Sam Calvert.

Attendees included Pierre Harter, associate V.P. of research operations and director of R&D at WSU NIAR; Derek Young, business development leader for NIAR WERX; and Rob Carpenter, technology collaborations manager for FirePoint.

07/29/2023

It's official! The Sustainment Technologies, Research and Automation for Transformative Operations Testbed (STRATO-T) is open for business. A ribbon-cutting with NCMS - National Center for Manufacturing Sciences and Air Mobility Command was held this morning at Air Capital Flight Line. STRATO-T is now available for government, industry and academia to study, develop and test innovations for reducing legacy aircraft operations costs. STRATO-T will facilitate ground (non-flying) evaluations and studies of innovative sustainment, energy efficiency, and aircraft automation concepts. https://www.wichita.edu/about/wsunews-releases/2023/06-jun/kc135_3.php

06/30/2023

A warm welcome to U.S. Air Force Academy cadets Nicholas Graef and Brooke Costella, who are spending time embedded in our Sustainment lab in Park City. Nicholas is studying to be systems engineer and is interested in the fields of optimization, flying, and leadership. Brooke is majoring in behavioral sciences and describes herself as intrinsically motivated, hardworking, and open-minded to new experiences and ideas. Welcome to NIAR, cadets!