The Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) 79-year-old Wright Brothers Wind Tunnel is being replaced with the largest and most advanced academic wind tunnel in America, with Boeing serving as the lead donor. Boeing’s funding pledge toward the $18 million wind tunnel comes as part of the century-long relationship between the university and the company, with this new wind tunnel supporting ongoing innovation in the aerospace industry.
Several founding leaders at Boeing studied at MIT, including the first engineer and designer of Boeing’s first commercially successful airplane in 1916, Wong Tsu. Even in Boeing’s current staff, over 60 members of Boeing’s Technical Fellowship and 50 executives hold degrees from MIT, with the company employing greater than 800 alumni across the globe.
The existing wind tunnel stood since its original dedication in September 1938 and holds historic significance, testing military aircraft during World War II and later everything from ship sails to space suits. The new tunnel remains operated by MIT’s Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, with an added designation of, “The Wright Brothers Wind Tunnel – a Gift of the Boeing Company”.
Greg Hyslop, chief technology officer and senior vice president of Engineering Test & Technology at Boeing, spoke about the project, saying, “Few relationships in aerospace can compare to the ties between MIT and Boeing, and we are thrilled and gratified to be part of this critically important renovation that will launch our relationship into the second century of aerospace… Today’s agreement is a big step in continuing our strong relationship to further stretch, disrupt and grow our industry. Together we will continue to change the world.”
