Honda opens new state-of-the-art wind tunnel facility in preparation for electrified future

MANILA: Honda has formally opened its new $124-million word-class wind tunnel facility, marking the start of a new age of development testing capabilities for Honda and Acura products, as well as the company's race cars. Situated at the independent Transportation Research Center Inc. (TRC) in Ohio, USA, the new Honda Automotive Laboratories of Ohio (HALO) facility is the world's most advanced wind tunnel, housing three separate state-of-the-art testing functions – aerodynamics, aeroacoustics, and racing – all in one site.

The multipurpose HALO facility was built by Honda to showcase its commitment to producing fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive vehicles. The wind tunnel employs a special interchangeable modular ground plane system for aerodynamic vehicle testing of production vehicles and race machines.

The tunnel can produce wind speeds of more than 190 miles per hour, thanks to a five-belt rolling road system designed for production vehicle development and a second single wide-belt system for testing both high-performance sports cars and purpose-built race vehicles.

Furthermore, the wind tunnel can rapidly enable an advanced acoustic test system for an aeroacoustic testing mode that uses a powerful system of acoustic arrays, composed of microphones and cameras, capable of gathering real-time data and precision measurement. This becomes an even more vital aspect of vehicle design as Honda moves toward an electrified future.

Noise reduction becomes an even more prominent aspect in vehicle design as Honda continues to progress toward an electrified future. Wind noise will be more audible inside an electric vehicle's cabin due to the lack of engine and exhaust noise. Honda engineers will be able to pinpoint the exact location of both interior and exterior noise issues faster than ever before, thanks to the acoustic test system.

“Honda's product development capabilities will advance to new heights thanks to this investment in our Ohio research operations. With this new facility, Honda is not simply investing in an advanced technology facility but in the future of the Honda engineers and other researchers who will work here,” Honda Development and Manufacturing of America, LLC (HDMA) Executive Vice President Jim Keller stated.

Honda's R&D engineers now have two world-class facilities in Ohio, with the new wind tunnel joining the company's advanced safety research center. Both facilities support the development and production of vehicles made in America using local and globally sourced parts. This is also a chance for Honda engineers to network with other firms specializing in aerodynamic and aeroacoustic research, promote STEM programs, and meet the testing needs of the general aerodynamic community.

The wind tunnel's aerodynamic test capabilities will also help Honda improve the range and performance of future fully electric vehicles, reinforcing the company's efforts to maintain its position as America's most fuel-efficient carmaker.

The HALO wind tunnel is Honda's latest major investment in Ohio, where the automaker has been strengthening its ability to design and manufacture products for more than 40 years and has now invested $14 billion.

Photos from Honda

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