50 years of German-Dutch Wind Tunnels: a European success story in aviation research

The origins of DNW date back to 1973. At that time, representatives of what was then the German Test and Research Institute for Aviation and Space Flight (Deutsche Forschungs- und Versuchsanstalt für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DFVLR) and NLR discussed the idea of a joint large-scale wind tunnel for the first time. The initiative was supported by both governments and culminated in the official establishment of the foundation on 30 June 1976. Just one day later, construction of the Large Low-speed Facility (LLF) began in Marknesse, the Netherlands.

When the LLF came into operation in 1981, it became Europe’s largest low-speed wind tunnel. In the decades that followed, the collaboration was continuously expanded. Since the 1990s, further wind tunnels belonging to DLR and NLR have been brought together under the DNW umbrella. Today, the organisation operates six state-of-the-art test facilities and offers a wide range of experimental services to the international aerospace industry, research institutions and the automotive industry.

Wind tunnels as a key technology

Wind tunnels make it possible to investigate the behaviour of aeroplanes, helicopters, vehicles or individual components under controlled and realistic flow conditions. This enables the analysis of key aerodynamic properties such as drag, lift, flow separation and noise emissions. The insights gained help to make new technologies more efficient, safer and more sustainable, even before the first prototypes are built.

Despite major advances in numerical simulations, experimental investigations in wind tunnels remain indispensable. They provide highly precise measurement data and underpin the validation of modern simulation methods.

Successful contributions to international aviation programmes

Over the past five decades, DNW’s test facilities have supported numerous international development programmes. These include the Airbus A320, A330, A340, A380 and A400M families, the Embraer E-Jets and E2 aircraft, the Eurofighter and F-35 fighters and the NH90 helicopter programme. The high-quality and efficient testing carried out at DNW’s facilities has made a significant contribution to aerodynamic optimisation and, consequently, to the success of these programmes.

DNW sites on DLR premises in Braunschweig and Göttingen

In Germany, DNW operates two major test facilities on DLR premises.

The Low-Speed Wind Tunnel in Braunschweig (DNW-NWB) serves as an aeroacoustic reference wind tunnel. It enables highly precise investigations into aerodynamic and aeroacoustic issues and helps to make future aircraft quieter and more efficient.

The Transonic Wind Tunnel in Göttingen (DNW-TWG) forms a central part of DNW’s high-speed portfolio. The facility offers unique opportunities for aerodynamic and aeroelastic investigations in the transonic and near-supersonic speed ranges.

Anniversary with an eye to the future

On 18 June 2026, DNW celebrated its anniversary with a symposium at its headquarters in Marknesse. Representatives from the worlds of research, industry and politics, as well as long-standing collaborators and customers, came together to look back on five decades of successful cooperation.