Fan-array wind tunnels are grids of individually controllable fans. This architecture is especially well-suited to replicate the turbulent, dynamic, non-uniform flow conditions found in low-altitude flight. In this video, we use an 3 meter by 3 meter array of 2,592 fans, blowing upwards, to produce updrafts. By modulating fan units, the location, speed and presence of these updrafts or 'plumes' is controlled dynamically. These dynamic updrafts produce realistic, challenging conditions for autonomous flight research.
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