NASA Full Scale Wind Tunnel Fan

This full-scale wind tunnel fan was one of a pair built by the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA, the predecessor to NASA) in 1931 and used at the Langley Research Center in Hampton, VA to test aircraft and spacecraft. It is now on display at the Museum in Washington, DC, in the Boeing Milestones of Flight Hall.
The P-51 Mustang being Tested inside the Full Scale Wind Tunnel

The North American P-51B Mustang was among the many World War II aircraft tested in the wind tunnel. The NACA’s drag reduction efforts increased speed and range and gave Allied pilots critical advantages in combat.
Vought F4U-1 in NASA Full Scale Wind Tunnel

A Vought-Sikorsky F4U-1 is tested inside the NASA Full Scale Wind Tunnel to verify drag reduction recommendations. The Vought F4U-1A Corsair was among the many World War II aircraft tested in the wind tunnel. The NACA’s drag reduction efforts increased speed and range and gave Allied pilots critical advantages in combat.
Creating the Wooden Blades for the Full Scale Wind Tunnel

NACA technicians built the laminated wooden blades on site for the Full Scale Wind Tunnel. They used wood so the blades could be shaped and balanced with great accuracy.
Model of F-18E in NASA Full Scale Wind Tunnel

A model of the F-18E is ready for testing in the Full Scale Wind Tunnel. At full speed, the two electrically-driven fans could generate hurricane force winds of up to 193 km/h (120 mph).
The Full Scale Wind Tunnel Fan Featured a Metal Spinner

The metal spinner located in the center of the Full Scale Wind Tunnel fan assembly helped to smooth air flow while the fan was running.
Full Scale Wind Tunnel Fan

The Full Scale Wind Tunnel Blade behind the Bell XP-59 Airacomet in the Boeing Milestones of Flight Hall. The Airacomet helps provide some perspective as to the sheer size of the Full Scale Wind Tunnel fan assembly.
The Mercury Capsule shape being tested within the Full Scale Wind Tunnel

The Mercury capsule was also tested in the Full Scale Wind Tunnel. Other spacecraft such as the lunar landing training vehicle and Space Shuttle were among the aerospace designs tested in the wind tunnel.
Vought O3U-1 in NASA Full Scale Wind Tunnel

A Navy Vought O3U-1 inside the NACA Full Scale Wind Tunnel, also known as the 30 x 60 foot tunnel. The Full Scale Wind Tunnel could hold an full sized aircraft with a wingspan of up to 12 meters (40 feet). Aerospace engineers used the wind tunnel’s accurate data to verify designs and make improvements. It was one of the most significant research tunnels ever built.
Wooden Blades of Wind Tunnel Fan

The two fans in the NASA Full-Scale Wind Tunnel were handmade of glued layers of wood so they would not warp.
Bell XP-59 on Stands within the Full Scale Wind Tunnel

The Bell XP-59 Airacomet was among the many World War II aircraft tested in the wind tunnel. The NACA’s drag reduction efforts increased speed and range and gave Allied pilots critical advantages in combat.

Wind tunnels are critical research tools for designing efficient aircraft.

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This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.

No aircraft flies without wind tunnel testing. This massive wind tunnel fan was one of two fitted to NASA’s Full Scale Wind Tunnel at its research center in Hampton, Virginia. Built in 1931, the tunnel could hold aircraft with up to a 12 meter (40 foot) wingspan.

What’s it Made Of?

What is the fan blade made from? Can you see the seams? Each blade was carved from glued layers of wood so it would not warp.
Metal Spinner

What do you think is the purpose of the metal spinner in the center of the fan blade?
Imagine the Scale

Imagine how big the building must have been that could hold two of these fan blades.

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Bell XP-59A Airacomet

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The Museum’s Bell XP-59 was tested in the NASA Full Scale Wind Tunnel.
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Mercury Friendship 7

Read More about Mercury Friendship 7

<p>A Mercury capsule was tested in the NASA Full Scale Wind Tunnel.</p>

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The P-51 Mustang being Tested inside the Full Scale Wind Tunnel

Vought F4U-1 in NASA Full Scale Wind Tunnel

Creating the Wooden Blades for the Full Scale Wind Tunnel

Model of F-18E in NASA Full Scale Wind Tunnel

The Full Scale Wind Tunnel Fan Featured a Metal Spinner

Full Scale Wind Tunnel Fan

The Mercury Capsule shape being tested within the Full Scale Wind Tunnel

Vought O3U-1 in NASA Full Scale Wind Tunnel

Wooden Blades of Wind Tunnel Fan

Bell XP-59 on Stands within the Full Scale Wind Tunnel

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Collection Item Summary:

Collection Item Long Description:

It's Not a Propellor, It's a Big Fan

Not a Propeller, a Big Fan

What’s it Made Of?

Metal Spinner

Imagine the Scale

Explore Object Connections

Bell XP-59A Airacomet

Mercury Friendship 7

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