The National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) supports the aviation industry through research and development, testing, certification, and technology transfer. The facility, that includes 15 research and testing laboratories, provides state-of-the-art equipment, investigators, and administrative support to clients in private industry, and state and federal government agencies. NIAR began its early development in the 1980s when university President Warren Armstrong felt a need to strengthen research and services support to the aviation industry. Fred Sudermann, executive assistant to the president, was assigned the responsibility of developing and coordinating efforts that resulted in the creation of the Institute for Aviation Research in 1985. In 1988, planning for a new research facility began. With substantial funding commitments from Sedgwick County, the City of Wichita, Beech, Boeing, Cessna and the federal government, the building was dedicated on April 30, 1990, and the name of the institute was changed to the National Institute for Aviation Research.