Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1999
Title: Joan Nolan - Innovator in Aircraft Design
Introduction
Joan Nolan is a distinguished inventor based in Laurel, MD (US). She has made significant contributions to the field of aircraft design, particularly with her innovative approach to wing configuration.
Latest Patents
Joan Nolan holds a patent for an "Aircraft with variable forward-sweep wing." This invention features a wing that can be adjusted from an essentially unswept position to a full-forward sweep position. In the unswept position, the wing is approximately orthogonal to the fuselage centerline, while in the full-forward sweep position, it adopts a delta wing planform. As the wing transitions from the unswept to the full-forward sweep position, the trailing edge effectively becomes the leading edge. This technology allows for optimal wing positioning tailored to specific flight regimes, enhancing aircraft performance.
Career Highlights
Joan Nolan is currently employed at Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, where she applies her expertise in aerospace engineering. Her work focuses on advancing aircraft technology and improving flight efficiency through innovative designs.
Collaborations
Joan collaborates with notable colleagues, including Heinz A. Gerhardt and Kenneth E. Seho, who contribute to her projects and enhance the development of cutting-edge aircraft technologies.
Conclusion
Joan Nolan's contributions to aircraft design, particularly her patented variable forward-sweep wing technology, exemplify her innovative spirit and commitment to advancing aerospace engineering. Her work continues to influence the future of aviation.