The University of Hertfordshire has announced a £2 million investment plan in state-of-the-art wind tunnels, which will significantly enhance its aerospace and automotive engineering programs. The new facilities, set to open this year, include a range of advanced wind tunnels, flight simulators, and impact testers, positioning the university at the forefront of UK institutions offering aerospace engineering education. This latest investment complements the recent launch of the £100 million Spectra building, which houses the university’s Science, Physics, Engineering, and Computer Science departments.
The new subsonic wind tunnel, with an expanded test section, and an upgraded supersonic wind tunnel, are key additions to the university’s research and teaching infrastructure. These tools will allow students to test aircraft designs and model real-world aerodynamics, including complex phenomena such as bird strikes and ice impact. Peter Thomas, a principal lecturer in aerospace engineering, emphasised the role of these facilities in enriching the educational experience, allowing students to engage in hands-on research with industry-standard equipment.
Among the new resources is a rolling road treadmill for vehicle testing within the wind tunnel, enhancing UH’s automotive engineering curriculum. The university has also incorporated cutting-edge technologies, including augmented reality for flight simulation, allowing students to study pilot ergonomics and the performance of theoretical aircraft designs. The enhanced facilities are expected to attract both academic collaborations and commercial partnerships, with local aerospace companies already expressing interest.
Aerospace engineering students have welcomed the expanded resources. The addition of high-tech flight simulators and new wind tunnels is particularly exciting for those involved in practical testing and design validation. With the university’s emphasis on both theoretical knowledge and practical application, Hertfordshire is poised to continue attracting top talent to the aerospace sector.
The Engineering, AI and Robotics foundation programme at Hertfordshire International College provides you a pathway to a highly sought-after degree at the University of Hertfordshire’s state of the art facilities for aerospace and automotive studies.
Learn about the Engineering, AI and Robotics foundation programme at the Hertfordshire International College.
