About NALI

The National Aerospace Leadership Initiative (NALI) has been created to respond to the critical needs of the U.S. aerospace manufacturing supply chain. It is imperative that the United States maintain its leadership in advanced propulsion and power systems, as well as remain innovative in the competitive domestic aerospace manufacturing supply structure, in order to meet the needs of the Department of Defense.

NALI is a partnership between U.S. industry, academia and government teams, led by consortium companies from Connecticut, Ohio and Pennsylvania - regions whose industrial capabilities are central to the aerospace industry.

NALI's charge encompasses the creation of the National Center for Aerospace Leadership (NCAL), based in East Hartford, Connecticut, the home of the program's consortium leader, the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology, Inc. (CCAT).  The NCAL includes both a Laser Applications Laboroatory and facilities for the modeling and simulation of advanced manufacturing processes including the representation of results via 3D and virtual reality capabilities.  CCAT works with industry, government and academia to foster innovation, entrepreneurship and new business creation.

Another NALI partner, the Advanced Virtual Engine Test Cell, Inc. (AVETeC), based in Springfield, Ohio, is a company facilitating collaborative applied aerospace propulsion research.  AVETeC is becoming a leading enterprise that develops and commercializes new technologies for industry and government through advanced modeling and simulation.

A third consortium partner, Concurrent Technologies Corporation (CTC), headquartered in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, is an applied research and development professional services organization providing management and technology-based solutions to a wide array of clients representing state and federal government as well as the private sector.

Key NALI Activities Include:

• The application of modeling and simulation as a basis for effective knowledge management and dissemination for product development and manufacturing in the aerospace supply chain.

• The transition of next generation manufacturing technologies into effective use.  The application of advanced laser systems is a first focus through the formation of the Laser Applications Laboratory.

• Advanced web-based, decision support capabilities and innovative data mapping and visualization tools are being created to support logistics and more effective performance of the total supply chain.

• The establishment of educational programs that engage student interest for careers in the next frontiers of the aerospace industry.

• The transfer of technology into the aerospace supply chain via the creation of new enterprises is supported via an active SBIR program which holds regional meetings that attract national participation.  The common focus , "The Future of Manufacturing Is Innovation", creates collaboration among small manufacturers and OEMs to address DoD needs.