BITS Pilani is starting a ground-breaking effort to build a cutting-edge wind tunnel facility in Hyderabad. This facility can simulate wind speeds of up to 220 kmph and will enable comprehensive research on drones and autonomous flying vehicles.
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The project is expected to be completed by next year.
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The wind tunnel would also have the capability of testing the aerodynamic effects on a diverse range of subjects including full-scale drones, automobiles, parachutes, and electric vehicle battery management systems.
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“Drones and UAVs hold immense potential across various sectors, including commercial, defense, and recreation. Leading educational institutions have already seen successful drone startups emerge and the Wind Tunnel will play a pivotal role in establishing BITS Pilani as a hub for deep-tech entrepreneurship,” said Prof. G. Sundar, Director of Hyderabad Campus, and Off-Campus Programs & Industry Engagement at BITS Pilani.
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The project is being backed by Goutham Kurra, an entrepreneur and alumnus of BITS Pilani. According to him, it will inspire students and companies to pursue cutting-edge research and innovation.
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The wind tunnel facility will feature two distinct test sections: an expansive 5m x 5m area designed for a full-scale assessment of quadcopters and automobile cooling systems, and a more compact 2m x 2m test section capable of simulating winds at speeds of up to 220 kmph. Â Â Â
