A short history of the European Transonic Wind Tunnel ETW

Abstract This paper is written as a contribution to the celebration of 50 years of Progress in Aerospace Sciences and of the centenary of the birth of its founder, Dietrich Kuchemann. It reviews the evolution of the European Transonic Wind Tunnel, ETW, from early conceptual studies to its entry into service and its current capabilities and achievements. It traces the development, from the earliest days, of experimental aerodynamics and of the basic aerodynamic understanding that gave rise to the main periods of wind tunnel building before and after World War II. By about 1960, this activity appeared to have come to a natural halt. The paper gives an account of the role of Kuchemann in arguing the need in 1968 for a further step in wind tunnel capability, to provide transonic testing at high Reynolds numbers. It describes his leading role in gaining acceptance of the concept, formulating the specification and promoting studies of alternative, radical design options for the co-operative European project that became ETW. The progress of ETW through design, construction, commissioning and into full operation is recorded. The paper discusses the many technical innovations that have been introduced in order to meet customer requirements in the challenging field of aerodynamic testing in a cryogenic environment and, finally, looks to the future and the further technical challenges that it holds.

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