The Altitude Wind Tunnel (AWT), the nation’s first wind tunnel capable of studying full-scale engines under realistic flight conditions, played a significant role in the development of early U.S. jet engines. In the 1960s, the tunnel was converted into one of the country’s first large vacuum tanks, named the Space Power Chambers (SPC), to support the Centaur rocket program. The facility’s capabilities were later superseded by newer facilities, and the AWT/SPC was demolished in 2010.
History
Design and Construction
The NACA designed its unique AWT facility during World War II specifically to study the performance of aircraft engines in realistic simulated flight conditions.
World War II Efforts
The AWT began operation in 1944 and contributed to the World War II effort by resolving the B-29 bomber’s engine cooling problems and testing the nation’s earliest jet engines
Post-War Engines
The AWT’s post-war testing and improvement of axial-flow turbojet engines was the facility’s most enduring contribution to the aerospace field.
Jet Engines Mature
By the 1950s, jet engines were significantly outperforming their predecessors. Yet, the onset of the Cold War increased the urgency for further advances. The AWT was very active testing these new propulsion systems throughout the decade
AWT Enters Space Age
In the early 1960s, NASA modified the AWT to address the needs of the burgeoning space program. The facility first supported Project Mercury, then was permanently transformed into two large altitude chambers.
SPC Centaur Testing
In the early 1960s, NASA decided to use it new SPC test chambers for a variety of tests of the Centaur upper stage rocket. These included tests of its retrorockets, electronics systems, shroud jettison system, and fuel tank ventilation.
Final Years
NASA’s use of the SPC diminished in the 1970s, and a proposed restoration of the tunnel in the 1980s did not come to fruition. After years of under-use, the center demolished the facility in 2009
Facility
AWT Facility Description
The AWT employed sophisticated design features to overcome the difficulties associated with operating engines in simulated altitude conditions. These included a unique steel shell, an air scoop, a make-up air system, and unique banks of cooling coils.
SPC Facility Description
In the early 1960s, NASA converted the AWT into two large altitude test tanks known as the Space Power Chambers (SPC).
Support Buildings
The AWT relied upon equipment in several external buildings to create the facility’s altitude environment.
How the Facility Worked
This page describes how the AWT and SPC No. 1 operated, gives overviews of the development of wind tunnels and vacuum chambers, and defines terms related to these facilities.
Research
Revolutionary Atmosphere
This scholarly history (NASA SP−2010−4319) covers the transformation of the AWT from a wind tunnel doing full-scale testing for wartime applications, to a vacuum chamber supporting NASA’s space exploration, and even a brief period as home to Mercury astronaut training. The book also addresses the attempts to resurrect the facility and its eventual decommissioning and demolition.
A Tunnel Through Time
This documentary video (NASA SP-2010-4609) tells the story of an important, but little-known, facility at NASA’s Glenn Research Center. This wind tunnel complex played a vital role in the U.S. development of jets, in the training of NASA’s first astronauts, and in NASA’s first missions beyond Earth orbit.
Timelines
Explore timelines that trace events that impacted the AWT and SPC, tests conducted at the facility, and the development of wind tunnels and vacuum chambers.
Historical Documents
Access digital versions of historical documents and resources related to the AWT. These include technical reports, newspaper articles, floor plans, correspondence, talks, reports, tutorials, and other documents.
The NASA Glenn History Office documents the research, facilities, and people who have contributed to the center’s extensive history and manages the Glenn History Collection.
