Langley Research Center performs critical research on aeronautics , including wake vortex behavior , fixed-wing aircraft , rotary wing aircraft , aviation safety , human factors and aerospace engineering . LaRC supported the design and testing of the hypersonic X-43 , which achieved a world speed record of Mach 9.6 ( almost 7,000 miles per hour ) . LaRC assisted the NTSB in the investigation of the crash of American Airlines Flight 587
American Airlines Flight 587
American Airlines Flight 587
Langley Research Center