Aerodynamics, Aerothermodynamics and Acoustics research area performs theoretical, computational, and experimental investigations in the areas of aerodynamics for advanced transport and military aircraft; aerothermodynamics for aerospace vehicles and planetary entry systems; hypersonic airbreathing propulsion for hypersonic aircraft and launch vehicles; and fluid mechanics and acoustics for the design of modern aircraft, rotorcraft, missiles, and spacecraft across the speed range.

Particular areas of emphasis include configuration aerodynamics; high-lift aerodynamics; component integration; Reynolds number effects; hypersonic aerodynamics and aeroheating; scramjet engine flowpath; fluid flow physics; high temperature gas dynamics; boundary-layer transition and turbulence; laminar flow control; flow physics; vortical flow control across speed range; aircraft, rotorcraft, and spacecraft noise and its effects on structural integrity, vehicles performance, and passenger and community acceptance; engineering support; advanced concept development; and calibration.

The AAA research area maintains and ensures effective utilization of all Competency wind tunnel facilities and conducts research and development in the areas of models, instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and test techniques for ground-based labs and wind tunnels to continually enhance wind tunnel productivity, data quality, and customer satisfaction. It supports systems analysis studies of the Earth and Space Science Program Office, the Aerospace Vehicle Systems Technology Program Office, and the Space Access and Exploration Program Office. It participates in the planning, advocacy and implementation of new research and focused programs, together with the Director's Office and Program Offices.