Innovation hub for aerospace engineering
Located at the Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, NASA’s Experimental Fabrication Branch turns theoretical designs into functional components for research aircraft, enabling rapid integration of new ideas into test platforms.
From concept to prototype
Engineers submit their designs to the fabrication team, where state‑of‑the‑art processes such as additive manufacturing and precision machining are employed. The output is mission‑ready hardware that can be deployed across a range of experimental programs.
Enhancing safety and sustainability
The close coupling of development and production allows NASA to accelerate testing of technologies that later benefit civil aviation. Focus areas include advanced sensor suites, lightweight structures and lower‑emission propulsion concepts, all aimed at making aircraft safer and greener.
Collaboration and technology transfer
The branch partners with industry, universities and other government agencies. Findings from flight tests are incorporated into standards and guidelines, influencing the broader aerospace sector over the long term.
Looking ahead
With ongoing digitalization and emerging material technologies, the Experimental Fabrication Branch aims to drive further breakthroughs that will advance both research and commercial aviation.