NASA App Creates 3-D Models Of Research Planes

Editorial Staff

Tuesday, December 18, 2018 at 12:00 AM ET

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Key Takeaways:

NASA has launched "Aeronautics AR," an augmented reality (AR) app that allows users to generate 3D models of its research aircraft, like the X-59 QueSST and X-57 Maxwell, using a smartphone.
The app provides educational information and links for users to learn more about the featured aircraft and NASA's aeronautics research initiatives.
Developed by NASA interns, Aeronautics AR aims to make complex aeronautics research fun and accessible for all ages, currently available for Android devices with future plans for iOS compatibility and more aircraft.

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NASA has released a new app that can create 3-D models of its current research aircraft using your phone. Download the app, point the phone at a flat surface and you can access models of the X-59 QueSST quiet-supersonic research jet;the X-57 Maxwell, a modified Tecnam P2006T used for testing electric powerplants; andNASA’s G-III Gulfstream jet, which has tested a variety of new technologies that aim to improve aerodynamic performance. While the 3D version of the aircraft is displayed, the viewer can also read about it or follow a link to learn more online.

The app, called Aeronautics AR, was developed by a team of NASA interns for users of all ages. “We wanted to educate people with the information without overwhelming them,” said Kendrick Morales, a NASA intern and computer-science student at the University of Puerto Rico. “But we also wanted it to be fun.” The app is currently available for Android devices, from the Google Play Store. Morales said interns will continue to work on the project to make it available for iOS and to add more aircraft to the app.