Focke's wind tunnel, Historical aeronautical site in Bremen, Germany.
Focke's wind tunnel is a private aeronautical laboratory in Bremen containing original testing equipment from the mid-20th century. The facility uses simple devices such as kitchen scales and stove pipes to control and measure airflow during aerodynamic experiments.
Heinrich Focke built this laboratory and wind tunnel in 1960 at age 70, following his career as co-founder of Focke-Wulf aircraft manufacturing. The facility was constructed during a period when aircraft design had shifted focus, yet Focke's passion for aeronautical research remained strong.
The facility contributes to engineering education as schools and universities conduct scientific experiments using both traditional instruments and modern measurement technologies.
The wind tunnel opens only on the first Sunday of each month between 12:00 and 17:00 for visitors. The building lacks elevator or ramp access, making a visit with a wheelchair not possible.
The facility remained forgotten for two decades until researcher Kai Steffen discovered it in 1997 by reading Focke's memoirs and contacting his family. This rediscovery saved an important piece of research history from being lost to time.
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