NASA, OLD DOMINION SIGN AGREEMENT TO EXPAND USE OF WIND TUNNEL IN HAMPTON

Old Dominion University recently signed a memorandum of agreement with NASA to expand its operations at the Langley Full-Scale Wind Tunnel, the second largest wind tunnel in the United States. The new agreement will give Old Dominion an opportunity to test airplanes.

Old Dominion began operating the 30 feet by 60 feet wind tunnel � the largest university-operated wind tunnel in the world -- in 1997, just two years after NASA stopped using it.

"We were faced with no other choice but to close (the tunnel)," said Jeremiah Creedon, director of the NASA Langley Research Center, during a signing ceremony April 7. "This proud heritage has a newfound life in motor sports and heavy trucks."

Because the original agreement limited the operational use of the facility, the university has been primarily testing motor vehicles, particularly specialty race cars, and heavy trucks, explained Ernest J. Cross, director of the Old Dominion wind tunnel.

"This wind tunnel represents the ideal cooperation," said James V. Koch, president of Old Dominion. "This strengthens our ability to help industry throughout the United States and helps generate new jobs in the region. It also provides faculty and staff with superb research and internship opportunities."