Central-Eastern Europe’s Largest Wind Tunnel Modernized to Strengthen Poland’s Technological Independence

The modernized T-3 wind tunnel at the Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Aviation enhances Poland’s national research capabilities in defense, unmanned aerial systems, and space technologies.

Modernization of the T-3 Wind Tunnel

The upgraded T-3 wind tunnel, belonging to the Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Aviation, increases national research capabilities in the areas of defense, unmanned aerial systems, and space technologies. This modernization is part of a 105 million PLN CeBRINS investment at Warsaw’s Okęcie.

The facility, the largest of its kind in Central and Eastern Europe, will enable the execution of projects funded by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the European Defence Fund (EDF) without the need to utilize foreign infrastructure.

The Institute of Aviation (Łukasiewicz – ILOT) presented the modernized T-3 wind tunnel as part of the Center for Research and Development of Innovative Propulsion and Aeronautical Structures (CeBRINS), financed by the National Recovery Plan (KPO). The new infrastructure was created for the institute’s strategic partners and small and medium-sized enterprises in the unmanned platforms and space markets (known as new space). A contract for a research campaign with a leading European aero-engine manufacturer is already being finalized.

Marcin Kulasek, Minister of Science and Higher Education, highlighted the investment’s significance for the competitiveness of the Polish economy, noting that it provides Polish scientists and entrepreneurs access to advanced technological projects and strengthens Poland as a reliable partner for international consortia in European programs.

Support for ESA and European Defence Fund Projects

The upgraded infrastructure will support both defense projects, largely financed by the European Defence Fund (EDF), and dual-use technologies related to the space sector, financed by the European Space Agency (ESA). Łukasiewicz – ILOT is already executing dozens of projects within both programs.

Hubert Cichocki, President of the Łukasiewicz Center, explained that the investment will facilitate the commercialization of the network’s projects and the provision of R&D services for aerospace and space sector enterprises, ensuring that the over 700 million PLN acquired by Łukasiewicz from the KPO will contribute to public welfare and security for decades.

Research Projects Utilizing the T-3 Tunnel

The Łukasiewicz Center announced the use of the tunnel for the Space Research Program of the Łukasiewicz Research Network announced in March. Flow testing is crucial for launch system tests, as Łukasiewicz – ILOT wind tunnels have already tested the Bursztyn rocket alongside the SPARK nanosatellite scheduled for orbit in the second half of 2027.

The first research campaign in the modernized tunnel will involve testing an aeroelastic wing under the EU project EXAELIA (Experimental Aircraft for European Leadership in Aviation). The project will also utilize new Łukasiewicz – ILOT research equipment, including strain measurement systems and 3D PIV optical particle flow systems.

The tunnel will support other network projects focusing on ground transport, energy, construction, and defense systems. Łukasiewicz – ILOT leverages experience with the T-3 tunnel utilized by entities such as Leonardo PZL Świdnik, WB Electronics, and PESA Bydgoszcz.

History of the T-3 Tunnel

The T-3 wind tunnel at Łukasiewicz – ILOT was built in the 1950s and served the needs of historical research for aircraft such as the Iskra, Iryda, Wilga, Kruk, Dromader, and the W-3 Sokół helicopter. Dynamic technological development and rising precision requirements made modernization essential for Poland’s participation in the new space sector.

Cezary Szczepański, Director of the Łukasiewicz – Institute of Aviation, stated that Polish engineers can actively participate in creating and testing breakthrough technologies ranging from low-emission aviation to energy and unmanned system solutions.

The Role and Function of Wind Tunnels

A wind tunnel is a research device that generates a controlled airflow over a tested object—such as an aircraft model, wing, or rocket—to examine aerodynamic forces, pressure distribution, and flow phenomena occurring during actual flight. Such testing verifies structural parameters prior to prototype construction, reducing costs and development time in the aerospace, space, and defense industries.

Access to advanced national research infrastructure enables the execution of security-sensitive tests without foreign facilities, shortens project execution times, and increases the country’s attractiveness as a partner in international research programs funded by the ESA or EDF.