Low Speed Wind Tunnels

Aeronautical low speed wind tunnels are characterized by exceptionally high flow quality, specifically low turbulence and low flow non-uniformity levels, to the point of being difficult to measure precisely. Test section configurations include solid walls for precise measurement of aircraft cruise configurations, and ventilated walls for high lift, high angle of attack testing. Large national wind tunnels are usually multi-mission in capability, including several interchangeable model support systems, such as basic strut, crescent sting, articulated sting, half-model and 2D-model systems.

Airframe noise testing is carried out in wind tunnels with aeroacoustic capability, which includes anechoic open-jet test section configurations and extensive acoustic treatment throughout the wind tunnel circuit.

New technologies are constantly evolving to meet advanced flight vehicle test requirements. A recent example includes very low Reynolds number test facilities, using a glycerine/water solution in a towing tank, to permit testing of micro air vehicles at large scale, based on technology licensed by the National Research Council of Canada (NRC).

High Speed Wind Tunnels

Subsonic, transonic and supersonic testing is accommodated in high speed wind tunnels. Intermittent or continuous operation is available, depending on the test mission and the speed range. For example, blowdown operation is favoured when all three speed ranges are required, while fan driven continuous operation is common in subsonic and transonic wind tunnels.

Test Chambers

Reverberant acoustic chambers provide uniform high intensity acoustic environment for testing spacecraft response to payload bay structural-born vibration. Special noise generators provide precise noise level control over a wide frequency range.

Altitude test facilities include air inlet treatment systems providing the correct simulation of pressure and temperature at altitude over the full operational envelope of jet engines.

Climate chambers simulate a wide range of environmental conditions including temperature, humidity, solar loading, rain, wind and snow. Conditioned makeup air may be provided to permit military jet aircraft engine operation in extreme temperature conditions.