19.05.2003 - In March 1999, the British Aircraft Research Association in Bedford, England, commissioned MAN Turbo to supply an axial compressor for use in its supersonic wind tunnel. The wind tunnel acts as a testing station for various types of aircraft. Together with a complex control system, the axial compressor removes air from the tunnel system. The installation was handed over on time in 2000 and put into operation successfully.

Wind tunnels are used primarily as testing stations for the trial operation of various flight systems and aircraft sizes. The withdrawal of air from the wind tunnel creates the conditions for the following test criteria. Depending on the application, the compressors have to demonstrate a high level of flexibility.

Flight simulations normally last from a few minutes up to around an hour, including a number of take-offs. Depending on the conditions, such as the simulation of take-offs and landings, supersonic flights and looping flights, the compressor and the control system have to guarantee reliable operation. The external casing of the compressor has to be dispensed with for reasons of space. However, special seals are used to minimize the leakage.

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