Wind Tunnel.

Research and testing wind tunnels are used in combination with computer simulations to refine the aerodynamic shape of many different types of equipment today. 

Aerodynamics

The development of wind tunnels accompanied the staggering pace of aircraft development in the 1940’s which in turn boosted research in science and technology. Large wind tunnels were built to facilitate testing of new aircraft & propulsion systems and this became of strategic importance during the development of supersonic fighter aircraft and missiles.

Today full scale wind tunnels are used to analyse the performance of automobiles ranging from road to racing cars, which can also include monitoring their running condition with varying temperature and humidity. 

For aerospace accurate scale models are used for commercial and military aircraft development where fuel economy and performance is of paramount importance..

The wind is generated by one or more large fans which in some installations can be up to 100 feet in diameter comprising a rotor with large chord blades. The Hoffmann blade construction method offers many advantages especially low weight and interchangeability.

Wind tunnel testing of sporting equipment has also been prevalent over the years, including golf clubs, golf balls, bobsleds, Olympic cyclists, and racing car & motor bike helmets.

Automotive industry

Many of the major car manufacturers have wind tunnels which utilise Hoffmann turbine blades including Volvo, Jaguar Land Rover, Honda, Ford, Saab, Pininfarina and Porsche.

Stand alone wind machines with Hoffmann propellers are used extensively in building construction testing and by the film industry. Skycraft has supported EON Productions with their wind machine propellers during filming of James Bond.