NACA (National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics)
Operator Identification
March 1915 to October 1958
United States of America
TYPE: Government body
IATA/ICAO CODES: Nil
HEADQUARTERS: Washington, DC
FORMER NAME: Nil
FATE: replaced by NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
Operator History
NACA was established on 13 March 1915 by the US federal government as an emergency measure during World War I to promote industry, academic, and government coordination on war-related projects. It was modeled on similar national agencies found in Europe, most noticeably the British Advisory Committee for Aeronautics. NACA researchers had access to an impressive collection of in-house wind tunnels, engine test stands, and flight test facilities. Commercial and military clients were also permitted to use NACA facilities on a contract basis.
NACA's main facilities were:
- The Langley Memorial Aeronautical Laboratory in Hampton, VA;
- The Ames Aeronautical Laboratory at NAS Moffett Field, CA;
- The Aircraft Engine Research Laboratory at the Lewis Research Center;
- The Muroc Flight Test Unit at Edwards AFB, CA.
After working postwar on supersonic flight, the agency was eventually superseeded by NASA as the space program grew in importance.
Commando Operations
1943* to the 1950's*
At least one Commando was used by NACA for inflight icing research.