NASA's Full Scale Aerodynamics Complex: Testing the Aircraft of Tomorrow

The NASA Ames Research Centre's full scale aerodynamic complex in Mountain View, CA is home to the largest wind tunnel in the world. With two test sections capable of accommodating any full scale aircraft, this facility has played a major role in testing the aerodynamic qualities of important aircraft, including the Space Shuttle. The wind tunnels, powered by a bank of six electric motors, provide vital information for engineers designing the aircraft of tomorrow, and have been instrumental in the success of innovative projects like the XV15 tilt rotor.