Cutting-edge aerospace technology installed in James Nasmyth building
Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering staff and students at Heriot-Watt University are set to benefit from a newly installed wind tunnel that will support advanced teaching, research and aerodynamic testing.
A brand-new wind tunnel has been installed in the James Nasmyth Building on the university campus in Edinburgh.
The new facility and equipment will be fully available for use by students and researchers in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering during the 2026-27 academic year.
Professor Bert Blocken, Professor of Aerospace Engineering at Heriot-Watt University, said: “For many years, our students and staff have wanted access to a modern, state-of-the-art wind tunnel on campus, and we are delighted that this is now a reality.
“This new facility represents a major investment in the future of aerospace and mechanical engineering education at Heriot-Watt.
“It will allow students and researchers to carry out hands-on aerodynamic experiments, measure drag and lift forces with a high degree of accuracy and instantly visualise airflow using advanced equipment that mirrors what they may encounter in industry and research environments.
“It will also enhance our ongoing strong collaborations with other students and researchers from other academic institutions as they will be welcome to use this technology too.”
The medium-sized wind tunnel is equipped with a specifically designed high-accuracy drag force sensor, enabling students and researchers to precisely measure the aerodynamic forces acting on aircraft components, vehicles, structures and experimental designs.
The facility also includes the ProCap flow visualisation system, which allows users to observe airflow patterns in real time. The technology provides an immediate and intuitive understanding of how air moves around objects, helping users identify areas of turbulence, flow separation and aerodynamic inefficiency.
Together, these systems will support a wide range of teaching, research and design activities across Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering.
The facility will enable users to move beyond theoretical calculations and computer simulations by validating designs through physical testing in a controlled environment.
Professor Blocken added: “Having a fully accessible wind tunnel on our Edinburgh campus will significantly enhance the practical learning experience for our students while also creating new opportunities for research, innovation and collaboration.
“We are excited to see the projects, experiments and discoveries that this facility will help make possible across the university in the years ahead.
“On behalf of the Aerospace Engineering Cluster, I’d like to pass on our thanks to the university for its support in creating these essential facilities for the Aerospace Engineering programme. It’s exactly this type of investment that strengthens Heriot-Watt’s position as a leader in engineering education and research.
The wind tunnel is the first of two for Heriot-Watt University. By the end of July 2027, a second and significantly larger wind tunnel will be installed on the Edinburgh campus with a final location to be confirmed, which will also be available for students, researchers and external consultancy.
This larger wind tunnel will allow testing of real-size athletes, student team races cars and drones, as well as reduced-scale road vehicles, airplanes, helicopters and more. The wind tunnel is intended to feature some worldwide unique features, to be revealed at the time of its official opening.