Nominal, a trailblazing defense technology startup, continues to redefine innovation in flight test education by securing a Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase 2 contract in collaboration with the United States Air Force (USAF) Test Pilot School (TPS) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). This milestone follows the success of STTR Phase 1 and signifies a game-changing partnership aimed at advancing data analytics, automation, and education in flight testing.
With this initiative, Nominal is set to revolutionize how post-flight test data is analyzed, enhancing efficiency and empowering TPS students with cutting-edge tools to lead the future of aviation and aerospace innovation.
The Collaboration: A Triple Powerhouse
The partnership between Nominal, MIT, and USAF TPS showcases the potential of leveraging modern technology to address the challenges of flight test education and evaluation. TPS serves as the USAF’s hub for training the top pilots, engineers, and navigators in conducting flight tests of the nation’s most advanced air and space systems.
Nominal’s advanced analytics software will be deeply integrated into TPS’s curriculum to modernize post-test data review and analysis. MIT’s AI/ML researchers will complement this effort by exploring innovative anomaly detection solutions that maximize the value of flight test data. Together, these organizations aim to bring unparalleled efficiency and precision to flight test education.
How Nominal Transforms Flight Test Education
Nominal’s software focuses on improving post-flight data exploitation, offering:
- Automated Analysis: Speeds up data review by automating manual processes.
- Enhanced Reporting: Provides detailed and customizable insights to meet diverse mission objectives.
- Agility in Problem-Solving: Equips students with tools to address emerging challenges dynamically.
“We are excited to work with TPS students and instructors, and to partner with an organization that has such a long history of constant evolution and innovation,” said Cameron McCord, CEO and co-founder of Nominal.
Nominal’s focus on innovation aligns perfectly with TPS’s legacy of training top-tier professionals in developmental test and evaluation techniques. By incorporating modern analytics capabilities, TPS students will gain hands-on experience in advanced technologies, preparing them to tackle the complexities of future aerospace systems.
MIT’s Role in Advancing Analytics
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) brings its unparalleled expertise in artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) to the partnership. MIT researchers are tasked with developing state-of-the-art solutions for anomaly detection and leveraging vast amounts of data generated during flight tests. These innovations will seamlessly integrate with Nominal’s software, enabling TPS to offer an unmatched learning experience.
USAF Test Pilot School: Pioneering Education
Located at Edwards Air Force Base, the USAF Test Pilot School is at the forefront of training flight test professionals. It is part of the 412th Test Wing (TW), which oversees the planning, execution, and analysis of all USAF flight and ground testing. The inclusion of Nominal’s software within TPS further enhances its reputation as a leader in developmental test and evaluation education.
The Impact of This Partnership
This collaboration has far-reaching implications for the aerospace and defense sectors:
- Modernized Education: TPS students will benefit from advanced training tools that reflect real-world demands.
- Enhanced Data Integrity: Automation ensures consistent validation of test instrumentation and results.
- Streamlined Operations: Faster data analysis supports rapid decision-making, critical in aerospace innovation.
These improvements will empower TPS graduates to excel in an era where precision, efficiency, and data-driven decisions are paramount.
Nominal’s Vision for the Future
Nominal remains committed to powering mission-critical engineering work with innovative solutions. By enabling faster and more reliable data review, the company is not only enhancing flight test processes but also contributing to the broader defense and aerospace landscape.
For more information about Nominal and its mission to revolutionize engineering workflows, visit their website at nominal.io.
The awarding of the STTR Phase 2 contract to Nominal represents a significant step forward in flight test education and innovation. By uniting the expertise of USAF TPS, MIT, and Nominal, this initiative promises to redefine how future flight tests are conducted, analyzed, and taught. This partnership will not only enhance the capabilities of TPS students but also ensure the United States remains a global leader in aerospace technology.
For more updates on this groundbreaking collaboration, stay tuned to AFWERX and Edwards Air Force Base.
