History

The National Aerospace Leadership Initiative (NALI) is primarily the result of the work of three congressional leaders: U.S. Congressmen John B. Larson (CT), John P. Murtha (PA), and Dave Hobson (OH).

In October 2004 the US Air Force awarded the NALI Consortium funding to initiate its activities to preserve the nation’s pre-eminence in advanced power and propulsion systems. The effort is a partnership between U.S. industry, academic and government teams led via a consortium linking three key U.S. regions whose industrial capabilities are central to the aerospace industry.

CCAT, in East Hartford, Connecticut, is the consortium leader and is tasked to establish the National Center for Aerospace Leadership (NCAL). It will strengthen the use of modeling and simulation for manufacturing as well as the implementation of Next Generation Manufacturing technologies, including the use of advanced lasers.

In Pennsylvania and Connecticut, Concurrent Technologies Corporation (CTC) will work with the manufacturing supply chain. CTC brings extensive experience in logistics and supply chain best practices to the team. CTC manages several supply chain programs addressing ways to improve business practices within and between the Department of Defense and industry.

In Ohio, the Advanced Virtual Engine Test Cell (AVETeC) will work with universities and super-computer centers to increase the role that modeling and simulation plays in the design, test, and analysis of gas turbine engines.

The NALI consortium will also focus on workforce development, engaging K-12 teachers and students to excite them about entrepreneurial science and opportunities to become the next generation of technologists for the aerospace industry.