POLITE – Powered mOduLar wInd Tunnel model for aero-dynamic Testing Efficiency
POLITE designed and built a modular powered wind tunnel model enabling low- and high-Reynolds testing of innovative control surfaces. IBK led design coordination and development of the powered model with remote-controlled high-lift devices.
Project Overview
The POLITE project (Powered mOduLar wInd Tunnel model for aero-dynamic Testing Efficiency) was conducted under the Clean Sky 2 Joint Undertaking within the Horizon 2020 research programme. The project’s objective was to design, manufacture, and prepare a modular powered wind tunnel (WT) model that supports testing of innovative high-lift and control surface configurations under both low- and high-Reynolds-number conditions.
A central challenge in modern aerodynamics is to improve aerodynamic performance while reducing cost, test time and ecological footprint. POLITE addressed this by developing a single, modular wind tunnel model capable of being operated in two distinct facilities – the RUAG Low-Speed Wind Tunnel (LWTE) and the ONERA F1 high-Reynolds facility. Traditionally, different powered models are required for such environments due to incompatible propulsion systems and infrastructure constraints. POLITE’s innovation was to merge both setups into a unified, reconfigurable design, thereby significantly reducing time, cost, and environmental impact.
The project scope included the full conceptual, aerodynamic, and mechanical design of a powered small aircraft configuration equipped with innovative, remotely controlled control surfaces. The model was designed to operate under realistic aerodynamic conditions, providing high-fidelity aerodynamic data across the full flight envelope. IBK Innovation, as Wind Tunnel Model Design Leader and project coordinator, ensured the aerodynamic integrity, mechanical feasibility, and modularity of the model. The structural architecture was optimized to allow easy reconfiguration between the low- and high-Re test campaigns, minimizing the number of unique components while maintaining performance requirements.
The first test campaign, executed in a low-Reynolds tunnel, provided baseline aerodynamic data and validated the model’s performance with an initial set of innovative control devices. Based on the findings, a second high-Reynolds test campaign is planned using motorized, remotely controlled control surfaces. Although the experimental campaigns themselves are beyond POLITE’s contractual scope, the project ensures that all mechanical, aerodynamic, and control system interfaces are prepared for efficient integration into both facilities.
The project directly supports the ACARE 2050 environmental and performance goals, enabling aerodynamic efficiency improvements that lead to reduced fuel burn and emissions. Beyond the specific aircraft configuration studied, the modular powered model concept developed in POLITE has broad applicability for both aeronautical and non-aeronautical research areas, reinforcing European leadership in wind tunnel technology and model-based development.
IBK Innovation coordinated the consortium, led the wind tunnel model design, and was responsible for the integration of the powered system and remotely controlled high-lift devices. Through its long-standing expertise in aero-mechanical integration and rapid prototyping for wind tunnel models, IBK ensured a functional and manufacturable design that fulfilled all cross-facility requirements.
The successful completion of POLITE demonstrates that a single, modular powered model can serve multiple aerodynamic test environments, reducing development cycle time and cost while enhancing the quality and reusability of experimental aerodynamic data.
Contributions & Deliverables
Coordination of consortium and definition of aerodynamic requirements (2017)
Design and manufacturing of powered modular wind tunnel model (2018)
Development of remotely controlled high-lift and control surfaces (2018)
Preparation and integration of model for dual wind tunnel campaigns (2019)
Partners
IBK Innovation GmbH & Co. KG
Project coordination, WT model design leadership, development of powered and remotely controlled devices
ARA
Manufacturing leader, model integration, propeller design and coordination with ONERA
RUAG
Design and manufacturing of propeller rotary shaft balances
DREAM Innovation srl
CFD support for aerodynamic loads and strut influence evaluation
Methods, Tools & Facilities
Methods
Aerodynamic optimization, powered model design, modular integration, CFD-supported loads evaluation
Tools
CATIA, ANSYS, Python-based interface management, rapid prototyping
Facilities
RUAG LWTE and ONERA F1 wind tunnels (integration prepared within POLITE scope)
Additional Information
Funding
- Funding body: Clean Sky 2 Joint Undertaking
- Program: European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme
- Grant number: 717233
- “This project has received funding from the Clean Sky 2 Joint Undertaking under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 717233.”
Duration
10/2016 – 03/2019 (30 months)
Phases: design & CFD support (2016–2017), model manufacturing (2017–2018), wind tunnel integration
and readiness (2018–2019).