transonic wind tunnels

Transonic wind tunnels are specialized testing facilities used to study aircraft and missile behavior at speeds close to the speed of sound. In this regime, airflow features both subsonic (slow) and supersonic (fast) conditions, creating complex flow patterns. The tunnel can simulate these conditions for scaled-down models, allowing engineers to examine aerodynamic performance, stability, and control. Transonic tunnels are crucial for designing efficient aircraft that operate efficiently in this speed range, typically between Mach 0.8 and 1.2, helping improve safety and performance before actual flight testing.