TRANSONIC WIND TUNNEL

General Capabilities
High Quality Data
High productivity
Low cost per data point
Immediately usable final" data
Quick and flexible scheduling
Detailed test planning
Strict customer confidentiality
Dedicated staff in highly-skilled
disciplines
Established Quality Management
System

Total Vehicle Development

Inlet Optimization
Bay Acoustics
Weapons
Integration
Performance
Validation
Stability & Control
Flutter
Jet Effects
Component Loads

The Calspan Corporation (Calspan) Transonic Wind Tunnel (TWT)

is the largest test facility of its kind in the USA, providing quick
response, impartial, customer oriented services since 1947. Continuously serving the U.S. and International aerospace community for
more than 57 years, the TWT has accumulated over 140,000 hours of
testing. Our demonstrated expertise in Performance, Stability &
Control (S&C), Weapons Integration, Inlet, Jet-effects, Acoustics,
Loads, and Semi-span test capabilities has enabled Calspan to make
significant contributions in assessing the aerodynamic performance
and S&C characteristics of aircraft and weapon systems.
The TWT is a continuous flow, variable density, closed circuit, facility
with an 8 x 8 foot [2.44 x 2.44 meter] test section. With a maximum
Mach number of 1.35, the tunnel may be operated at stagnation
pressures ranging from 0.25 to 3.25 atmospheres. Test conditions
are set via independent control of Mach number and one other
pressure-dependent variable for constant Reynolds number,
static pressure, dynamic pressure, or total pressure operations. Shock
attenuation and de-blocking to achieve transonic speeds in the TWT is
accomplished through uniformly perforated test section boundaries, a
concept originated and developed at Calspan.

Maximum Flexibility
Four cart systems allow for Sting, Captive Trajectory Simulation
(CTS), Reflection Plane, and Island Fairing model mounting capabilities. Test and data acquisition procedures are integrally keyed to
either pause or continuous sweep operating scenarios in the pitch,
yaw, or roll planes. All data reduction computers are contained within
the TWT control room, allowing the user quick access to data results
and provides excellent control over computing program or
presentation changes as required.

Versatility

Sting

Operation

Continuous Flow, Closed Circuit

Test Section

8 x 8 x 18.75 ft.
[2.44 x 2.44 x 5.7m]

Mach Number Range

0.20 to 1.35

Stagnation Pressure Range

0.25 to 3.25 atm.

Dynamic Pressure Range

750 lb/ft2 (Conventional Ops)

2,200 lb/ft2 (Ejector Augmentation)

Reynolds Number Range

5 x 106/ft (Conventional Ops)

12.5 x 106/ft (Ejector Augmentation)

Auxiliary Air Supply

Up to 20 lbm/sec, dry heated air

CTS

Efficiency

Reflection Plane

Perforated Test Section Throat to provide de-blocking & shock

reflection attenuation at transonic speeds
Active Wall Boundary Layer Suction and fine, automatic Mach
number control
Test Section Isolation System
- Variable-pitch fan, Main Drive allows for zero Mach number
without decelerating motor
- Gate valves upstream & downstream for isolating test section
- Fast ingress/egress of test section for model changes
Reynolds number independent of Mach number (Variable Density)
90 seconds or less transit time between Mach numbers

Island Fairing

Distinguished History
Commercial
Transport: Lockheed L-1011; DC-8, 9, 10, Boeing 707, 727, 737, 747, 757, 767
Business: Jetstar, Cessna Citation, Learjet 45, 60, Gulfstream IV, Bombardier
Challenger
2005 - Calspan Corporation
2003 - General Dynamics
1997 - Veridian
1972 - Calspan
1947 - Cornell Aeronautical Laboratory
1929 - Curtiss-Wright

58+ Years of Leadership

Providing
Best Value Services
in Aerospace RDT&E

Military
Fighters: F-100, P-20A, F-2, F-4, F-5, F-111, F-15, F-16, F-18, F-22, A-6,
X-29, LCA, EF-2000, JSF, T-50, AT-2000
Bombers: B-52, B-58, B-2
Airlift:
C-5, C-130
Missiles: Tomahawk, Harpoon, NSM, SLAM-ER, JSOW, JDAM, JASSM,
SDB
Space:
Saturn V, Space Shuttle, DC-X, Taurus, X-34
Countries
Canada, Germany, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Sweden, Taiwan

Transonic Wind Tunnel

An ISO 9001: 2000
Certified Company

4455 Genesee Street | Buffalo, New York 14225

Tel: 716.631.6785 | Fax: 716.631.4175 | www.calspan.com

Rev. 062705