20-Foot Vertical Spin Tunnel
NASA’s 20-Foot Vertical Spin Tunnel (VST) is the only operational tunnel of its kind in the Western Hemisphere that conducts free-spin research using dynamically scaled, free-flying models.
Focus Areas and Capabilities
Learn more about the specifications and capabilities of this wind tunnel.
Characteristics
(VST) is the only operational tunnel of its kind in the Western Hemisphere that conducts free-spin research using dynamically scaled, free-flying mode ls.
Facility Benefits
The VST is a closed-throat, annular-return facility that operates at nominal atmospheric conditions, with velocities that can be rapidly adjustable up to 85 ft per sec.
Facility Applications
It is the only resource available to commercial aircraft manufacturers for proprietary spin-and-tumble assessments of their products in a wind tunnel environment.
Data Acquisition
VST studies identify and quantify spin and spin-recovery characteristics of a given vehicle configuration. Related tumbling research identifies susceptibility to out-of-control pitch auto rotation and strategies for safe recovery.
20-Foot Vertical Spin Tunnel Gallery
Contact Information
20-Foot Vertical Spin Tunnel
Facility Manager: Steve Riddick
(757) 864-5092
NASA Langley Research Center
1 Nasa Dr.
Hampton, VA 23666
(757) 864-1000
Fact Sheet
20-Foot Vertical Spin Tunnel
Maneuvering aircraft may encounter a dangerous condition known as spin, caused by a sudden loss of lift over wings or control surfaces. NASA’s 20-Foot Vertical Spin Tunnel (VST) is the only operational tunnel of its kind in the Western Hemisphere that conducts free-spin research using dynamically scaled, free-flying models. The VST is a closed-throat, annular-return facility that operates at nominal atmospheric conditions, with velocities that can be rapidly adjustable up to 85 ft per sec.
Read the 20-Foot Vertical Spin Tunnel Fact SheetAETC Subsonic Facilities
NASA operates four Subsonic Facilities.
The 9-by 15-Foot Low-Speed Wind Tunnel, the 14- by 22-Foot Subsonic Tunnel, the Icing Research Tunnel and the 20-Foot Vertical Spin Tunnel.
Learn More About AETC Subsonic Facilities
AETC Ground Facilities
AETC sets the strategic direction for NASA’s versatile and comprehensive portfolio of ground test aeronautics research capabilities.
Among these assets are subsonic, transonic, supersonic, and hypersonic wind tunnels and propulsion test facilities at Ames Research Center, Glenn Research Center, and Langley Research Center.
Learn More About AETC Ground Facilities
