Inside a Full Test Day at NASA Armstrong: The CATNLF Laminar Flow Wing Experiment
NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, is conducting the Crossflow Attenuated Natural Laminar Flow (CATNLF) program, mounting a scaled wing section beneath an F-15 research aircraft to validate laminar flow aerodynamics. The goal is to significantly reduce fuel consumption on future commercial airliners. This report provides a complete hour-by-hour breakdown of a standard CATNLF flight test day, from 5:00 a.m. aircraft prep to 10:00 a.m. data download.
Highlights
- NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center has been conducting aerodynamic flight tests for nearly 80 years at its Edwards, California facility.
- The CATNLF program mounts a scaled laminar-flow wing section beneath a NASA F-15 research aircraft to validate drag-reduction technology for future commercial airliners.
- A standard CATNLF test day runs from 5:00 a.m. aircraft preparation through a one-hour flight test window to 10:00 a.m. data download, involving pilots, engineers, technicians, and mission controllers.
- Successful validation of CATNLF laminar flow technology is expected to significantly reduce fuel costs and emissions for next-generation commercial aircraft.
- The test day follows a strict sequence including pre-flight checks, mission briefing, control room verification, flight execution via test cards, post-mission debrief, and data analysis.
Reading time: approx. 3 minutes
Flight testing is a team sport. For nearly 80 years, NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, has pushed the boundaries of aerodynamics through flight testing, advancing aviation technology one mission at a time.
Earlier this year, NASA's Crossflow Attenuated Natural Laminar Flow (CATNLF) program tested a wing concept designed to maximize smooth, laminar airflow. If successful, the technology could substantially reduce fuel costs for the next generation of commercial airliners. During flight testing, researchers mounted a scaled CATNLF wing section to the underside of a NASA F-15 research aircraft.
Here is the complete hour-by-hour workflow of a CATNLF flight test day.
5:00 a.m. — Aircraft Preparation
Ground crews begin pre-mission servicing of the aircraft. If a chase plane is required for the day's mission — a second aircraft that monitors and documents the test flight — that aircraft and its crew are also readied simultaneously.
6:00 a.m. — Mission Briefing
Pilots, engineers, maintenance technicians, project managers, researchers, photographers, and videographers gather to review flight objectives, weather forecasts, and final mission details.
6:30 a.m. — Control Room Checks / Crew Suit-Up
Researchers head to the control room to complete routine checks, verifying that all communications systems, displays, and instrumentation are functioning correctly.
Meanwhile, pilots don their life-support equipment — custom-fitted pressure suits, harnesses, helmets, and oxygen masks. Any photographer, videographer, or flight test engineer occupying the rear seat must wear identical gear.
6:45 a.m. — Crew Boarding / Final Control Room Prep
Pilots conduct pre-flight checks alongside crew chiefs and technicians, including verification of the aircraft's electrical systems. The pilot and crew chief jointly sign the flight release form, confirming the aircraft is airworthy.
Inside the control room, the team readies itself to monitor the flight using test cards — the step-by-step flight plan document.
7:00 a.m. — Pilot Straps In
The pilot and any rear-seat occupant take their seats, strap in, and secure all mission-required equipment. The pilot completes ground pre-flight procedures.
7:15 a.m. — Aircraft Taxi
After establishing contact with the control tower, the pilot taxis to the runway. The NASA Armstrong control room team monitors the aircraft continuously via radio.
7:30 a.m. — Takeoff
The pilot accelerates down the runway and rotates at the appropriate speed. Once airborne, the pilot coordinates simultaneously with Edwards Air Force Base air traffic control and the NASA Armstrong control room, proceeding to the designated test airspace.
7:30–8:30 a.m. — Flight Test
Upon reaching the test airspace, the ground team coordinates with the pilot on altitude, airspeed, and maneuvers. The test conductor issues test point calls one by one, and the pilot executes them in sequence. Both the pilot and control room monitor hardware, instrumentation, aircraft, and software performance throughout. Once all test points are complete, the pilot returns to base.
8:45 a.m. — Landing and Aircraft Recovery
The pilot lands and taxis to the NASA Armstrong ramp, where the crew chief meets the aircraft. After the pilot exits, the aircraft is towed into the hangar for post-flight maintenance.
9:30 a.m. — Post-Mission Debrief
The pilot, project team, and mission controllers reconvene in the briefing room to consolidate flight notes and document action items requiring follow-up.
10:00 a.m. — Data Download / Second Flight Preparation
Teams download flight data for analysis. If a second sortie is scheduled for the day, preparatory work for that flight begins at this point.
The CATNLF program aims to establish the aerodynamic design foundation for next-generation commercial aircraft through scaled wing flight validation. Its ultimate objective is to achieve meaningful fuel savings and emissions reductions by minimizing wing surface drag and optimizing laminar flow conditions.
Updated by NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center on June 30, 2026.
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