R&D Brief Vol 5. Num. 15a    October 6, 2008   NIAR's Beech Wind Tunnel unveils new sting mount system  The Walter H. Beech Wind Tunnel within the National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) at Wichita State University (WSU) has completed shakedown of a new robotic sting system for wind tunnel model testing just in time for the tunnel’s 60th anniversary this year.   “This system enables us to provide wind tunnel testing services to our clients in ways not achievable in the past,” said Aerodynamics Lab Director John Laffen. The sting system, designed for model aircraft testing, allows wind tunnel models to be rigidly mounted from the rear of the model to reduce interference effects of traditional model support systems. It also allows models to take advantage of the Beech Wind Tunnel’s suite of three new internal balances capable of full-span testing: two identical moment-style balances from Aerotech ATE, Ltd. and one force-type balance from Triumph Force Measurement Systems. Each balance has a medium and full range calibration available. The sting system has the capability of positioning a 350-pound model with a pitch range of -20° to +50° to within an accuracy tolerance of less than ±0.05°. In addition, the system can yaw (sideslip) a model to nearly any range at the same accuracy–the only limitation is the physical size of the test section. The sting system also features an automatic roll head that can position the model in the roll axis in any orientation to accuracies tolerance less than ±0.01°. Data from on-board incidence measurement as well as model pressures may be collected with the new sting system for complete wind tunnel testing services. The installation of the sting system and internal balances completes a 4-year series of Beech Wind Tunnel renovations totaling about $7 million that includes a new test section, flow conditioning equipment featuring a stainless-steel honeycomb flow straightener and anti-turbulence screen, a 2,500 horsepower electric variable-frequency fan, a heat exchange system that limits temperature rise in the tunnel at maximum operating velocities and an external balance with the highest measurement resolution available in the world today for this application. For more information about the Beech Wind Tunnel or the NIAR Aerodynamics Lab, visit www.aero-labs.org or contact John Laffen at (316) 978-5481.   The National Institute for Aviation Research is a prestigious state-of-the-art aerospace research and development laboratory with global reach and expertise in research, design, testing, and certification. The Institute’s clientele includes many of the world’s aerospace manufacturers, NASA and the FAA. It is the largest aviation R&D academic institution in America.  The National Institute for Aviation Research is an unincorporated division of Wichita State University.