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 I listed with Historic England.

Timings & Tours 

Sunday 14 September: Open from 10am to 4pm

Sunday 21 September: Open from 10am to 4pm

Location & directions 

Contact on day: Steve Mullen

Telephone number: +447969410532

Accessibility Details

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 £25 per person (subject to a minimum group charge) which includes a souvenir brochure. Full details will be available on the Heritage Open Days.

Additional Information

There are no toilet facilities on the site.

Booking information 

Pre-booking requirement: Pre-booking not required.

Max no of people per tour: 20

Est. tour duration: 1 hour