In a major boost to India's aerospace capabilities, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL) is joining forces with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to develop a new, state-of-the-art Trisonic Wind Tunnel facility. This collaborative project aims to establish India as a leader in aerodynamic testing and research.
The planned Continuous Trisonic Wind Tunnel (CTWT) is envisioned as one of the world's most advanced facilities of its kind. The project, officially approved for development, is expected to be completed by 2031, with a Detailed Project Report (DPR) finalized by July 2025. This ambitious undertaking will leverage the combined expertise and resources of three of India's leading scientific organizations.
The CTWT will feature two distinct wind tunnels:
- Continuous Type Wind Tunnel: This tunnel will have a test section measuring 2.5 meters by 2.5 meters, capable of simulating air speeds ranging from Mach 0.1 to 1.8. Its continuous operation capability will enable long-duration tests crucial for analyzing steady-state aerodynamic behavior of aircraft and other aerospace vehicles.
- Blowdown Type Wind Tunnel: A separate blowdown tunnel will be constructed alongside the continuous tunnel, with a test section of 1.75 meters by 1.75 meters. This tunnel will be designed for higher speeds, reaching Mach numbers from 1.6 to 4, allowing researchers to simulate transient flight conditions and gather insights into high-speed aerodynamics.
The development of this Trisonic Wind Tunnel facility represents a significant investment in India's aerospace future. It will not only support the development of advanced aircraft and space vehicles but also foster innovation and technological advancements in the field.
