Perfect aerodynamics!

It’s best to test precisely

Numerous aerodynamic measurement campaigns of leading aircraft manufacturers, wind tunnel operators and research institutes are based on our precision models.

Virtual simulations are frequently insufficient or require validation when determining the exact air resistance, flow behaviour, buoyancy, etc. We design, produce and instrument scale models for all types of wind tunnel.

Be they low or high-speed, atmospheric or cryogenic wind tunnels, we offer the appropriate model type for all applications.

100 percent: in time, quality and cost

Since 1991, our engineers and technicians provide our international customers with the highest precision wind-tunnel models with superior functionality and also support them as required during testing campaigns in the wind tunnel.

As a one-stop shop, we guarantee delivery of the entire model production process through to testing support 100% in time, quality and cost!

Products

Product areas

Our wind-tunnel models support manufacturers in the development of various products:

Aircraft and aircraft components

Space flight components

Automobiles and racing cars

Rail vehicles

Wind turbines

Test rigs

High-speed models

We offer our customers high-precision models for high-speed wind tunnels with the following features:

  • Full and half models

  • Experience in model dimensions up to 4,000 mm wingspan

  • Aluminium and steel alloys, as well as low-temperature resistant (cryogenic) steels are possible; special steels are available from stock

  • Attainable surface tolerances of ± 0.015 mm

  • Attainable roughness Ra < 0.1 µm

  • Complete service from design, production, assembly and instrumentation through to testing support

Low-speed models

We offer our customers high-precision models for wind tunnels in the low-speed range with the following features:

  • Full and half models

  • Experience in model dimensions up to 6,000 mm wingspan and several thousand production components

  • Aluminium and steel alloys, as well as low-temperature resistant (cryogenic) steels are possible; special steels are available from stock

  • Attainable surface tolerances of ± 0.015 mm

  • Attainable roughness Ra < 0.4 µm

  • Complete service from design, production, assembly and instrumentation through to testing support

2D profiles

We supply our customers with 2D profiles for aerodynamic measurements:

  • Materials utilised are steel, aluminium and plastics

  • Experience in model dimensions up to 8,000 mm

  • Attainable surface tolerances of ± 0.015 mm

  • Attainable roughness Ra 0.04 µm

  • Complete service from design, production, assembly and instrumentation through to testing support

2D fibre composite profiles

We also offer ultralight fibre composite 2D profiles for easy handling in the tunnel:

  • Materials utilised are CRP and GRP (carbon and glass-reinforced plastic)

  • Model dimensions up to 1,500 mm wingspan and 1,000 mm chord

  • Attainable surface tolerances of ± 0.1 mm

  • Attainable roughness Ra < 0.2 µm

  • Static pressure measuring boreholes directly in the laminate

  • Insertion of instrumentation even in the thin trailing edge

Engineering models and qualification models

We support our research and development customers with special solutions to determine and evaluate technological bases:

  • Implementation of development concepts in physical models

  • Insertion of the required functionality in the model

  • Development of special solutions together with our customers

  • Complete service from design, production, assembly and instrumentation through to testing support

Test rigs

In addition to models, we also produce all kinds of test rigs and testing devices:

  • Components to test air inlets

  • Wind-tunnel components

  • Measurement section equipment

  • Aids for positioning models in the wind tunnel

Laminar models

We design and manufacture highest precision models for laminar flow research:

  • Surface waviness up to 1:600 over 6.5 mm

  • Surface accuracy of ± 0.015 mm

  • Roughness Ra < 0.04 µm

  • Preparation for the application of temperature or pressure-sensitive paint

  • Complete service from design, production, assembly and instrumentation through to testing support

  • Aluminium and steel alloys, as well as low-temperature resistant (cryogenic) steels are possible; special steels are available from stock

Resources

Design and development

Following the provision of the external surfaces (Class A surface geometry), our design team implements a model with the required characteristics:

  • Class A surfacing

  • CATIA V5 design of the model in 3D and 2D; more formats available

  • Design in accordance with customer guidelines

  • Design of all model variations (e.g., variants of high-lift systems)

  • Performing strength calculations using the finite element method (FEM)

  • Creation of documentation and instructions

Production

All production steps can be carried out using our own machinery to the highest precision:

  • 5-axis milling; achievable tolerances of ± 0.015 mm

  • Turning and cylindrical and flat grinding

  • Wire, sinker and drilling EDM

  • Welding (TIG, MIG/MAG and micro laser welding)

  • Ongoing investment in processing machines

  • Temperature controlled production workshops

  • Consistent use of CATIA V5 for design, programming and QA

  • 100% control of the production components on coordinate measuring machines

Assembly

Our products represent more than 20 years’ experience in the assembly and instrumentation of wind-tunnel models:

  • Dedicated assembly team with long-standing experience

  • Assembly of model components

  • Perfectly fitting interchangeable parts

  • Extensive knowledge of surface finish

  • Highest waviness compliance (better than 1:600 over 6.5 mm)

  • Secured assembly areas

  • Internal and external assembly possible

Instrumentation

Customers obtain complete instrumentation from a single source through Deharde:

  • Instrumentation of static pressure measuring boreholes

  • Instrumentation of microphones (brand: Kulite)

  • Installation and calibration of strain gauges

  • Installation and calibration of shock sensors

  • Application and polishing of pressure and temperature-sensitive paint

  • Installation of temperature sensors

Testing support

Our specialists provide on-site support to our customers worldwide:

  • Technical support during the testing campaign

  • Mounting models in the wind tunnel

  • Adjustment of model configurations during testing

  • Geometry audits with laser tracker or measuring arm

  • Modification of existing models

Management

Matthias Müller

Head of Sales & Marketing

Christopher Clark

Head of Wind Tunnel Models & Prototypes