WSU-NIAR applauds federal support of university-DoD partnerships
John Tomblin, WSU vice president for research and economic development, hosted U.S. Senator Jerry Moran and Acting Secretary of the U.S. Army Hon. Ryan McCarthy for tours of WSU’s National Institute for Aviation Research on Sept. 5.
WICHITA, Kan., - Following, the Sept. 12 passing of the FY2020 Department of Defense Appropriations Act and Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act by the Senate Appropriations Committee, Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) would like to sincerely thank U.S. Senator Jerry Moran and his team for their support of Wichita State, the U.S. military, the safety of U.S. citizens.
Senator Moran’s continued focus on Kansans, the advancement of our nation’s defense and the future of our militaryhas led to dozens of visits to Wichita State from officials in multiple divisions of all branches of the military. These visits have led to discussions and new programs focused on improving the efficiency of military fleet development using technologies such as machine learning applications for fleet readiness; next generation high temperature materials for long-range precision fires; and advanced technologies for aircraft sustainment and repair – efforts that will immediatelyaid and impact the warfighter and improve civilian safety.
John Tomblin, WSU vice president for research and economic development, has hosted Senator Moran and military officials and given them a first-hand look at how technologies and methods in development at NIAR can benefit military operations.
“We really appreciate Senator Moran’s foresight on how university research can cost-effectively benefit the DoD,” said Tomblin. “Wichita State’s partnerships with various branches of the military support sustainment efforts and incorporate advanced technologies for the next generation of weapon systems that will immediately impact the preparedness of the warfighter. In addition, these programs also provide applied learning opportunities for Wichita State graduate and undergraduate students, which, in turn, allows the military to grow its future workforce. Kansas and WSU is fortunate to have Senator Moran in this leadership role for the defense of our country.”
About the National Institute for Aviation Research
The National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) at Wichita State University provides research, testing, certification and training for aviation and manufacturing technologies. Established in 1985, NIAR has a $70 million annual budget; a staff of 550; and 900,000 square feet of laboratory and office space in four locations across the city of Wichita, the Air Capital of the World. NIAR laboratories include Additive Manufacturing, Advanced Coatings, Advanced Manufacturing, Aging Aircraft, Ballistics & Impact Dynamics, CAD/CAM, Composites & Advanced Materials, Crash Dynamics, Environmental & Electromagnetic Test, Full-scale Structural Test, Nondestructive Test, Reverse Engineering, Robotics & Automation, Virtual Engineering, Virtual Reality and the Walter H. Beech Wind Tunnel.
Contact: Tracee Friess, 316-978-5597