Aviation News Item: 01162

16th Jun 2009

Source: fly-corporate.com

The Walter H. Beech Wind Tunnel at Wichita State University's National Institute for Aviation Research has been performing tests for the new Learjet 85 business jet.

The Beech Wind Tunnel is a low-speed wind tunnel with a 7x10x12 ft test section capable of reaching speeds of up to 240 mph. The tunnel is fully equipped with a high-performance under-floor external balance, internal balances, real-time data acquisition software, an active heat exchanger, sting mount and flow visualisation options.

NIAR's Composites & Advanced Materials Lab is also providing material testing and structural testing in support of the certification efforts associated with the Learjet 85 programme. Through a long-term contract, NIAR will be involved in the FAA certification of the aircraft from the testing of coupon samples to the structural certification of full-scale components.

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