Tests at the DNW facility in the Netherlands generated over 60,000 data points to validate Beyond Aero One's external tank aerodynamics.
Beyond Aero has completed the first wind tunnel testing campaign for its hydrogen-electric Beyond Aero One business aircraft. The testing took place over five weeks at the German-Dutch Wind Tunnels’ (DNW) Low-Speed Facility in Marknesse.
The tests focused on validating aerodynamic performance, stability and control for a configuration that places gaseous hydrogen tanks outside the fuselage. This layout creates complex airflow patterns at the wing-fuselage junction and wingtip, where even minor changes can affect lift, drag and controllability.
While numerical simulations had suggested stable performance, real-world testing was required to fully understand these interactions. A 1:8 scale model was used to generate over 60,000 data points, covering a range of flap positions, control surface movements and off-nominal conditions such as sideslip, high angle of attack and deep stall.
Data was gathered through a six-component balance and more than 230 pressure taps, allowing correlation with simulations and providing a detailed reference for external aerodynamics. AI-supported tools helped engineers identify trends and refine the design more quickly.
The campaign confirmed that the aircraft’s hydrogen-driven configuration performs predictably across the flight envelope, reducing aerodynamic risk before moving into the next phase of development.
