Heritage open Days - Former Royal Aircraft Establishment 24 foot Wind Tunnel Building Q121

Saved for the Nation in 1993 when the Ministry of Defence set out to demolish and sell the former RAE Site, the wind tunnel buildings are now listed and during Heritage Open Days we are able to visit the 24-foot tunnel in Building Q121

The 24-foot wind tunnel is named for the size of its jet orifice, which is 24 feet in diameter. The mahogany fan - such a feature of this tunnel - is in fact 30 feet in diameter. It was powered by a 2000 horse power DC electric motor and could produce an airspeed of up to 112 mph.The tunnel was a world class aerodynamic testing facility, opened in 1935 and in continuous use until 1996. The building is Grade 1 listed with Historic England

Event Times

Sunday 19 September: Tours will take place at 10.00 hrs, 11.00 hrs, 12.00 hrs, 14.00 hrs and 15.00 hrs.

Booking Details

No booking required

Access

Please note that access is only to the main hall - the return circuit is not included but if visitors wish to take the full tour including the R52 building, this can be booked as a group visit to take place on a Thursday at a cost of £20 per person (subject to a minimum group charge) which includes a souvenir brochure. Full details will be available on the Heritage Open Days.

COVID-19 Considerations

This event will run in line with local & national government guidelines at the time of the event and is subject to agreement from the owners of the site allowing it to take place - agreement has NOT yet been confirmed at time of publication so please check with FAST Museum 01252 375050 (phone manned Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday 10.00 to 16.00) nearer the day. NOTE:- We will make every effort to accomodate those who would prefer to arrange a specific time for their Heritage Open Day visit. In this case please contact 'secretary@airsciences.org.uk'. Social distancing rules and mask wearing will be required.

Additional Information

Max 10 people per tour/session. 30 minutes There are no toilet facilities on the site 

Contact for the day: Bob Gentry 07785 268172 airsciences.org.uk

Directions

The building is a large grey building with a clock tower just below the 'Gloster' public house - turn left into Hall Road beyond the pub and parking is beyond the Q121 building.

Organised by

Farnborough Air Sciences Trust