China unveils new wind tunnel facility for low-altitude aircraft testing

China has inaugurated its first compounded wind tunnel dedicated to low-altitude aircraft testing in Guangzhou, developed by the Guangdong Aerospace Research Academy (GARA). This new 4.5-meter class facility is designed to simulate flight conditions for drones, air taxis, and other low-altitude vehicles, enabling engineers to study aerodynamics and optimize flight performance more efficiently. The wind tunnel integrates traditional aviation testing systems with innovative "windshaper" technology, creating a hybrid platform that accelerates testing cycles while reducing research costs. This advancement addresses previous bottlenecks, such as long waiting times at overbooked facilities like the one in Harbin, cutting testing processes from over a year to just three to four months. The facility is expected to play a crucial role in the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area, a national hub for high-tech innovation, by fostering collaboration through a planned data-sharing platform called "Bay Area No.1." This development supports China's broader economic and technological goals by bridging the gap