NASA AWARDS $5 MILLION CONTRACT FOR WORK AT LANGLEY FULL-SCALE TUNNEL

Old Dominion University's Langley-Full Scale Wind Tunnel (LFST) recently was awarded a $5 million, three-year task order contract by NASA Langley Research Center and contracted with Ford Racing Technology for more than 200 hours of test time.

"The NASA contract is the largest single contract obtained by the tunnel since the inception of the college's operation," said Jim Cross, wind tunnel manager. "This contract allows multiple task orders to facilitate the research needs of the NASA engineers and scientists at the Langley Center."

The first two task orders are for a full-test section volume velocity and turbulence intensity calibration in preparation for extensive tests of a large-powered model of an advanced transport concept.

The Ford Racing Technology contract, which should result in $500,000 in revenues for the wind tunnel, is for team engineers to tailor the aerodynamic performance of race cars for specific track and driver needs. Ford Racing Technology is the Ford corporate division responsible for engineering support of company-authorized NASCAR race teams, which include Winston Cup teams, Busch Grand National and Craftsman truck teams.

There are approximately 40 company-supported NASCAR racing teams in the country.

Old Dominion also has gained approval to test airplanes at the facility, as part of an agreement signed with NASA in April 2000.