Flights of Discovery - Experimental Flight Research in the Modern Era
Speaker:
Kenneth J. Szalai
Kenneth J. Szalai is a technical and management consultant in the US and Europe in the areas of aeronautics and space. Prior to his consulting business, Mr. Szalai served as President of IBP Aerospace Group, Inc. He was the Director of the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center , Edwards, CA from 1990-98. Mr. Szalai joined the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center in 1964. He had previously held the positions of Director of Engineering and Chief of the Dynamics and Control Division at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center .
He has served in various technical and management positions on dozens of experimental flight research programs, X-airplanes, and international programs, including the joint US-Russian Tu-144 high-speed flight research program. Mr. Szalai is a specialist in flight controls and integrated systems, and was the Chief Engineer on the F-8DFBW program, the first digital fly-by-wire aircraft.
Mr. Szalai has authored over 25 papers and reports and has been a lecturer for the NATO Advisory Group for Aeronautical Research and Development. He has served on various technical committees and sub-committees for the AIAA and SAE. Mr. Szalai graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a B.S. degree in electrical engineering and received a M.S. in Mechanical Engineering (Aeronautics) from the USC in 1971. He has received NASA's Exceptional Service Medal, Outstanding Leadership Medal, Distinguished Service Medal, and both the Meritorious and Distinguished Presidential Rank Awards. He is a fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and was awarded the AIAA 2000 Wright Brothers Lectureship. In 2003, he was a recipient of the ICAS Von Karman award for International Cooperation for his work on the X-31 US-German experimental aircraft program.
Abstract: Flights of Discovery — Experimental Flight Research in the Modern Era
High-risk experimental flight research programs of the modern era are portrayed in words and pictures along with the discoveries that sprang from “expanding the envelope.” The risks taken in these programs provided a foundation for advanced aircraft and new capabilities. The lessons learned from flight exploration at the frontiers of knowledge are also reviewed. Video clips of flights at and beyond controllable boundaries of the F-8 Digital Fly-by-Wire, F-18 High Angle of Attack, and X-31 Highly Maneuverable Aircraft provide unique insight into the world of experimental flight research.
Directions: [Map by Google Maps ]
From Downtown - Take Interstate 75 North to Interstate 285 West. Exit onto Cobb Parkway/state Highway 41 (Exit 259B). Turn right at the light. The Olive Garden is on the right.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Menu:
Soup or Salad and your choice of one of the following entrées:
Tour of Italy
Chicken Parmigiana
Chicken Alfredo
Seafood Alfredo
| 5:30 PM Social Hour |
$18 Members/Guests |
| 6:30 PM Dinner |
$20 Non-Members |
| 7:30 PM Program |
$15 Students |
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Please Contact Your Booster with your Reservation by
COB Tuesday, April 24, 2007!
Or register
for this event online!
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