Mason & Hanger Celebrates Completion of NASA's New Flight Dynamics Research Facility

On July 31, Mason & Hanger proudly joined NASA leaders, representatives from the U.S. General Services Administration, project partners, and other distinguished guests at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Flight Dynamics Research Facility (FDRF) at NASA's Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, marking the completion of a landmark project that will support the future of aeronautics and space exploration.

Mason & Hanger served as the Architect/Engineer (A/E) of Record for the design-build team in partnership with BL Harbert International (BLHI) and Calspan Aero Systems Engineering, Inc., helping deliver a state-of-the-art research facility that will support NASA's mission for decades to come.

The completion of the facility represents an important milestone following the project's groundbreaking in 2022 and reflects years of collaboration among the project team. As NASA's first major new wind tunnel in more than 40 years, the highly specialized facility will provide scientists and engineers with a versatile, cost-effective vertical wind tunnel for conducting research and technology development supporting a wide range of NASA missions, including aeronautics research, space exploration, and science.

Designed to support both free-flight and mounted testing, the Flight Dynamics Research Facility will enable researchers to evaluate the safety and performance of scale-model aircraft, spacecraft, rockets, drones, and other atmospheric vehicles. As aerospace vehicles continue to fly faster and operate in increasingly complex environments, the facility will help researchers better understand flight physics, develop new technologies, and improve safety.

During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Dr. Trina Dyal, Director of NASA's Langley Research Center, reflected on the significance of the new facility, noting, "We haven't just built on a legacy and spirit. We've literally built upon the past." She explained that components from earlier wind tunnels were incorporated into the new facility and that the original fan blades are now displayed in the control room as reminders "to keep pushing the boundaries of what's possible."

"We are honored to have served as the Architect/Engineer of Record for this landmark project,” said Ben Lilly, President of Mason & Hanger. "The Flight Dynamics Research Facility is a testament to what can be accomplished through strong collaboration between industry and government, and we are proud to have partnered with NASA, BL Harbert International, and Calspan Aero Systems Engineering to deliver the infrastructure that will enable innovation, discovery, and exploration for generations to come."

The ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrated the successful completion of the Flight Dynamics Research Facility and recognized the collaboration among NASA, the U.S. General Services Administration, and industry partners that made the project possible. As NASA begins utilizing the facility, the new wind tunnel will serve as a critical national resource supporting research that shapes the future of aviation, spaceflight, and scientific discovery.