Wind Tunnel Models

Aerodynamics Department was one of the biggest and most important Departments in the RAE.  Its wide range of wind tunnels varied from slow speed through the supersonic to the hypersonic (up to Mach 10). Size varied with both speeds and model capabilities (from 9 inch to 24 ft). The main tunnel sites were at Farnborough in the early years with a gradual transition to Bedford after WW2.

The models tested in the tunnels varied from aircraft components (wings, air intakes, weapon release etc.) to full scale complete aircraft and scale size model aircraft. At the completion of many of the trials the models were discarded but not thrown away.  The earlier models were made of wood (for slower speeds) with the high speed supersonic and hypersonic models being made of steel, with composites for the intermediate speed models.

The FAST Collection holds some 400 of these unique models representing the full range of tunnel speeds, including models used in stealth research, Concorde development and other civil airliners. Many of the models are wing sections built to understand both high and low speed operations.

Enquiries & Access

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