HAMPTON, Va. – Aerospace companies can reach new heights by tapping into the vast array of technology assets and resources in Hampton, Va. Leading the way is the National Institute of Aerospace (NIA), an entity created to perform cutting-edge aerospace and atmospheric research; develop new technologies for the nation; and help inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. As a catalyst for economic development, the NIA is the city's latest high-wage job creation initiative, projected to employ 300 to 400 scientists and engineers in the coming years. Funded by NASA Langley Research Center, the institute will break ground on a new 60,000-sq.-ft. (5,574-sq.-m.) facility this spring. Hampton Roads Center North Campus, a 470-acre (190-hectare) high-tech research park three miles from NASA Langley Research Center and Langley Air Force Base, is designed to meet the changing technology needs of the aerospace and transportation industry.
        Companies are finding successful business environments in Hampton and developing trend-setting technologies and making national headlines. Alcoa's Howmet Casting continues to provide innovative solutions with its state-of-the-art manufacturing of gas turbines for jet aircraft. Analytical Mechanics Associates Inc. has supported numerous NASA missions with technical expertise and most recently developed the 3D simulation for the Mars Rover project. Raytheon Technical Services increased its investment in Hampton and consolidated its Hampton offices and located to a new building, home to more than 200 employees in 2002. Vigyan Inc. won the 2003 R&D 100 Award from R&D Magazine for its Pilot Weather Advisor system, now being sold by WSI Corp. as WSI InFlight.
        NASA Langley Research Center – one of the many Hampton-based resources available to businesses – is a world-class research facility, which focuses on aeronautics, atmospheric sciences and space technology. This huge technical resource is available to partner with companies and institutions in joint efforts to commercialize applied aerospace research. Other technology centers such as Old Dominion University's Langley Full Scale Tunnel attract companies seeking a testing facility for aircraft and full-scale replica models. With a replacement value of $40 million, the wind tunnel offers a scientific environment and computational services division that captures diagnostic data related to durability, speed and safety.
        Centrally located on the East Coast and three hours away from the nation's capital, Washington, DC, Hampton is committed to the future of its aerospace community and offers a concentration of resources such as technology, skilled workforce, regional automotive and transportation base, development opportunities and excellent university and college facilities. For more information, contact the Hampton Department of Economic Development at 1-800-433-2449, e-mail: business@hampton.gov or visit www.hamptonva.biz for details.