Wind tunnel - a simulator simulating free fall. The attraction began to gain popularity only recently. Thanks to him, anyone can experience an exciting feeling of weightlessness. Reviews about flying in a wind tunnel, posted on the Internet, are full of enthusiasm.
That for us only entertainment is a serious scientific tool used to study the effects of the air on moving objects. It is used in many scientific fields: industrial and aviation developments, including the training of military pilots and astronauts, and only recently has become entertainment for ordinary people.
History of invention, the path from science to entertainment
The first wind tunnel was designed for scientific purposes and was small in size. With it, scientists studied the behavior of solids in the air stream. Later, large prototypes began to be used for testing parachutes. The first pipe appeared in Russia in 1871 and was designed by a teacher V. Pashkevich for teaching students of the military academy.
The invention became widespread only during the Second World War. At the American airbase, a pipe was constructed with a 6-meter screw, which allowed a person to experience a feeling of free fall. It was used for the same purpose - testing parachutes and aircraft.
A person was able to experience the influence of air flows inside the pipe only in 1964. Military paratrooper Jack Tiffany entered the wind tunnel, intending to fly in it with the help of a parachute, and he succeeded. But this experience did not lead to use as a full-fledged simulator for people. The load of water flows falling on the human body was too great.
The first aerial equipment for humans
The first aerodynamic simulator appeared in 1981 in Canada. Gene Germain built it on the basis of wind tunnels for training landing troops. He managed to improve the invention so that a person could smoothly rise and fall. But the use of air flow forces remained the prerogative of specialists.
In 2006, wind tubes were used at the close of the Winter Olympic Games. Trained people showed acrobatic tricks while in confined spaces. From this moment, the spread of the wind tunnel as an attraction began. For many people, this has become a systematic entertainment, gradually attracting more and more fans of extreme sports. In Russia, in order to experience the extraordinary sensations of flying in a wind tunnel in an aircraft fleet, you must visit the entertainment centers of Moscow, St. Petersburg or other major cities.
Operating principle
A wind tunnel allows you to experience the experience of free fall, which was previously available only to those who dared to jump with a parachute. However, this method is safer and allows you to get almost the same feeling.
The attraction is a complex of the following details:
- pipe of various diameters;
- specially designed fans;
- diesel engine;
- trampoline net;
- "Glass", as a rule, of transparent material and mesh, limiting the flight zone.
The principle of operation is simple and based on the gradual injection of air into a limited space. The pipe operates due to powerful fans, creating a strong air flow. The speed of artificial wind can reach from 190 to 260 km / h.
Attraction design
There are many types of aerodynamic complexes, each of which differs in three main parameters:
- Screw arrangement - top or bottom.
- The size of the pipe itself - the so-called flight zone (depends on the height and diameter of the fence).
- Wind speeds inside the working area - depends on the power of the diesel engine and fan.
The flight zone is fenced on top with a grid, and at the edges - with a glass of transparent material that does not allow a person to fly outside the outlined diameter and get under the fan blades - hence the name “pipe”.
The operation of the device is controlled by an operator who can regulate the air flow. Thus, an exciting free fall effect is achieved.
Instructors always familiarize the participant with safety measures, the device of the pipe and the permissible actions while in the airflow zone. It is not without reason that reviews of flying in a wind tunnel are usually positive, as this is a safe and exciting experience.
After watching a video about the attraction, the audience is divided into two camps. The first group doubts the safety of the flight and are confident that this experience is available only to a specially trained person. The second group, wanting to experience a new entertainment, does not doubt its safety. However, the reality is that even children are now allowed to fly in a wind tunnel.
Note! Even in the event of a sudden engine stop, a person does not fall, but slowly lands, because the fans provide damped operation and a smooth decrease in the power of air flows.
The first exit into the pipe may seem difficult for a beginner. You need to learn how to move in the air stream, overcome panic from the feeling of free fall, learn to control your own body. As a rule, beginners get used to new sensations in 1-2 minutes, after which there comes a feeling of euphoria from the flight. At the first visit, accompaniment of an instructor is required.
Safety precautions
Only with strict observance of safety rules and following the instructions of the instructor will a person leave a positive review about flying in a wind tunnel.
Interesting fact! The design of the helmet of the instructor is different from the rest, since this means of protection protects the head from accidental blows by beginners who do not fully know the flight technique.
The safety of the first steps is provided by instructors who enter the airflow zone with visitors. They help to get comfortable, adjust the equipment to the individual parameters of a person.
Mandatory Rules
It must be remembered that the attraction is a complex mechanical device of high power. Here you must strictly adhere to the following rules:
- Beginners are inside the flight area for no more than 2 minutes.
- Clothing should be comfortable and not restrict movement. Despite the fact that before the flight they give out a special jumpsuit that helps to balance on the air flow, it is necessary to wear loose clothing under it.
- Clothing should be warm - forcing air strongly lowers the temperature, so it’s pretty cool inside the flight area. The fabric of the overalls is dense, but the heat supply is not always enough.
- Comfortable shoes - it is preferable to wear sneakers or sneakers on a lace. Shoes, Velcro closures, and similar shoes can fly off your feet, hitting someone inside the work area, including the visitor.
- Long hair is preferably braided and fixed with a dense elastic band.
- A helmet is required inside the flight area.
The main condition for obtaining a pleasant feeling from the flight is complete relaxation of the body. Children are allowed exclusively under the supervision of instructors, in which case the operator reduces the speed of the screws to a minimum.
Attraction for entertainment and sports
The aero tube has only recently become a full-fledged attraction, but it continues to be used as a sports simulator for training paratroopers and athletes.
It's important to know! The simultaneous participation of two or more persons is allowed only for athletes with more than 30 minutes of individual flight experience.
Currently, flights are available for residents of various cities of Russia, but most of the attractions are located in Moscow. Before visiting, you can read reviews about flying in a wind tunnel in Moscow and then check your resolve.
The device combines several functions at once and can be used to prepare:
- Parachutists and pilots - to increase the level of skills.
- Acrobats - to prepare for the performance of complex tricks.
- Children - for the purpose of general physical development and entertainment.
- Adults - to increase physical activity and relaxation.
In addition, many adults go to the development of an aerodynamic simulator before making a prolonged parachute jump. Despite the fact that this experience cannot be compared with a full flight in the sky, the conditions are approximately similar.
In addition, the attraction acts like a simulator. Counteraction to the load created by the air flow makes the main muscles of the body work, due to which calories are actively burned during the flight. The coordination of movements is significantly improved, since the visitor is accustomed to controlling his own body. According to men, flying in a wind tunnel realizes every boy’s childhood dreams of flying into space.
Restrictions and contraindications to flying in a wind tunnel
Each ride has limitations, and a wind tunnel is no exception. But thanks to advanced safety measures there are not so many of them:
- the visitor's age should be from 5 to 75 years;
- body weight ranges from 20 to 130 kg (depending on engine power and screw used);
- the visitor should not have health problems, diseases of the musculoskeletal system, respiratory and cardiovascular systems, mental disorders;
- pregnant women are not allowed to ride;
- use of the attraction is not recommended for people who have undergone surgery or injured;
- people intoxicated and under the influence of stupefying substances (drugs) are not allowed into the flight zone.
Everyone else can experience flying in a wind tunnel and leave feedback about their own experience on the Internet.
Who might be interested in the attraction?
One of the first cities to fly in a wind tunnel was Moscow. This is an active form of leisure, allowing you to get an unforgettable experience. It is completely safe and suitable for all people. Compliance with safety precautions, constant supervision of the instructor and operator control make the use of the attraction an interesting and affordable leisure. Presenting a flight in a wind tunnel as a gift would be a great idea.