Wind Tunnel Models

The Deharde-Maschinenbau company has been an international leader in the design, manufacture and quality control of precision-made wind tunnel models for the aerospace industry since 1995. Our continual investment in emerging technologies ensures that our broad range of resources fulfills the most demanding Customer requirements. Our products are designed to ´"simply work" in the wind tunnel environment. In-tunnel productivity combined with the unmatched precision of a Deharde-produced model results in a true "win-win": pride in workmanship and Customer satisfaction. Deharde is the proud recipient of numerous Performance Excellence Awards from leading aircraft manufacturers for our precision models.

Product range

Deharde produces a full spectrum of testing hardware for wind tunnel to full scale (flight) applications worldwide: low- and high-speed semi-span and full-models;  powered and unpowered;  atmospheric-to-high-pressure;  flutter and cryogenic. Specialties include such areas as the design and manufacture of robust remote-controlled high-lift and control systems; extremely high fidelity high-speed models; integration of technically challenging systems such as propulsion /airframe;  hinge-moment and fast-change component balances and  routing of complex instrumentation. We also have experience in the complicated area of  metric/non-metric balance interfaces to allow for airflow investigations - the list goes on and on.

Design and material selection

Model design and build concepts are developed together between the Customer and the Deharde Project Manager on the basis of either a predefined or phase-released outer mold line (OML), load profile and testing priorities. Models are designed and stressed fully in CATIA V5. For more detailed analyses, Deharde has special access to a variety of contractors to fill niche needs.

Optimization to cost and schedule are considered when recommending model materials. Key structual  components are sized with the appropriate high-quality material depending on the testing application; whether high-grade steel and/or aluminum for nominal and high aerodynamic loading conditions to carbon fiber, plastic, or stereolithographic material for low-stress environments. For use in cryogenic testing environments we manufacture with special maraging steel ( 1.6359 or C200 ) from onsite-stock for a faster project turnaround.

We manufacture all parts in our 5-axis machining centers, with contour tolerances down to +-0.015mm (+- 59 u-inches). For the documented quality assurance of thes high precision components, we use state-of-the-art 3D measuring machines and laser trackers.

Our team of dedicated experts hand finish and assemble the models for buy off, with strict adherence to meeting contracted deadlines. Secure facilities for Customers to practice reconfiguration are available. Deharde experts are also available, as required, to support wind tunnel tests onsite.  Truly one-stop-shopping!