Profile: Calspan Corporation
New Partnership with MCEER to Focus on Infrastructure Renewal
Calspan Corporation was originally founded in 1943 as part of the Research Laboratory of the Curtiss-Wright Airplane Division in Buffalo, NY. Internationally recognized for proven excellence in technology and science, the company has built its reputation on a rich heritage of innovation. Calspan’s corporate structure includes five operating units:
- Crash Data Research Center (CDRC): CDRC conducts research on real-world traffic crashes throughout the U.S. The work is conducted under contracts primarily with the Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- Flight Research Group (FRG): FRG has provided aeronautical services to the domestic and international aerospace community since 1946. It has pioneered the development of in-flight simulation aircraft which enable FRG to provide critical flight control/flying qualities analyses and pilot training services.
- Systems Engineering Group (SEG): SEG provides custom-engineered services and solutions for in-house and customer-based facilities for the aerospace and automotive markets. In addition, it operates an Unmanned Vehicle Proving Ground, ballistics/ordnance test ranges, altitude chambers, and a machine shop.
- Transonic Wind Tunnel (TWT): Calspan’s TWT is the largest independent test facility of its kind in the U.S., providing quick-response and impartial customer-oriented services since 1947. Continuously serving the aerospace community, the TWT has accumulated over 140,000 hours of testing.
- Transportation Research Group (TRG): TRG is the leader in high-quality, independent automotive safety testing, research, development, and evaluation using state-of-the art facilities since 1948. TSC also provides custom-engineered test facilities to automotive manufacturers worldwide.
Calspan Corporation has approximately 240 employees with a variety of talents and backgrounds. A key element in the company's success is its interdisciplinary approach. Calspan's highly integrated work force includes mechanical, electrical, computer system, software, control system and aeronautical engineers; test pilots; and aircraft and test facility electronic technicians and mechanics. The company has served as an incubator for numerous Western New York companies. Its main complex is located at 4455 Genesee St. in Cheektowaga, NY. For more information about Calspan, visit http://www.calspan.com.
