NASA’s Langley Propeller Research Tunnel
Published
January 15, 2025, 7:35 PM EST
Langley Research Center, Hampton, Virginia
The Langley Propeller Research Tunnel (PRT) is a unique facility that provides NASA engineers and researchers with the capability to test and evaluate propellers in a controlled environment. The PRT is located at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, and is one of the largest and most advanced propeller test facilities in the world.
The PRT is a closed-loop tunnel that measures 14 feet (4.3 meters) in diameter and 60 feet (18.3 meters) long. The tunnel is equipped with a 12-foot (3.7-meter) propeller that can be driven by up to 2,000 horsepower (1,500 kilowatts). The tunnel can simulate a wide range of flight conditions, including speeds up to Mach 0.85 and altitudes up to 50,000 feet (15,240 meters).
The PRT is used to test and evaluate a variety of propellers, including those for commercial aircraft, military aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The tunnel can also be used to test propeller noise, which is an important consideration for aircraft design.
The PRT is a valuable asset to NASA’s research and development efforts. The tunnel provides engineers and researchers with the capability to test and evaluate propellers in a controlled environment, which helps to ensure the safety and efficiency of new aircraft designs.
Additional Information
- The PRT was built in 1943 and has been upgraded several times over the years.
- The PRT is one of the few facilities in the world that can test propellers at supersonic speeds.
- The PRT is used to test propellers for a variety of aircraft, including the Boeing 737 and the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.
- The PRT is also used to test propeller noise, which is an important consideration for aircraft design.
- The PRT is a valuable asset to NASA’s research and development efforts.
Langley’s Propeller Research Tunnel
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