Supersonic wind tunnels

Supersonic wind tunnels are specialized testing facilities used to study how objects, like aircraft or spacecraft, behave in high-speed airflow beyond the speed of sound. They generate controlled, high-velocity air flows that replicate conditions encountered during supersonic flight. Engineers use them to analyze aerodynamic properties, validate design models, and improve performance or safety. These tunnels are equipped with powerful fans or shock wave generators to achieve and maintain supersonic speeds, allowing precise testing in a controlled environment without actually flying at those speeds.