In early December, the gave the NACA (National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics) use of 62 acres of land, retaining title to the land with the War Department. The NACA purchased another 40 acres from local farmers and immediately began surveying building locations.
The research center was founded as the second National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) laboratory.
Construction continued at the new site, and in April 1940 it was announced that the new laboratory would be named after Dr. Joseph S. Ames, the recently retired chairman of the NACA. Ames Research Center was built during the massive mobilization effort that preceded the formal entry of the United States into World War II.
During the first six years, Ames exploded with growth and activity as it simultaneously developed the center and supported the war effort. Construction abounded and projects completed included two more wind tunnels, two laboratories, an electrical substation, and an aircraft hangar.
In 1958, a newly created National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) was created and the NACA was dissolved transferring its assets and personnel to the NASA. NASA Ames is operating over 600 hectares in Mountain View.
In the early years, Ames would focus on aerodynamics research, with an emphasis on high-speed aerodynamics, using flight research, wind tunnel testing, and theoretical investigation.
The Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel is NASA Ames’ research facility used to test NASA space vehicle and to design and test new generations of aircraft for both military and commercial.
Ames Research Center
