About ARA
The ARA is a centre of excellence in delivering aerodynamic capabilities to the aviation sector. Forming part of the BAE Systems FalconWorks business, within the Air sector, ARA benefits from being both big and small, drawing on wider engineering expertise and know-how where needed.
Upgrades to the propulsion test facilities completed.
HRH The Princess Royal visits ARA.
ARA High Speed Reference Model (HSRM) designed, manufactured and tested.
ARA becomes part of BAE Systems, Falconworks®.
Large scale nacelle research in the ARA TWT with CFD solution overlaid.
Dual Stream Jet Propulsion Rig (DSJPR) developed under the AVAUNT and ODIN projects.
CleanSky research programme SUBLIME, PIV tests in the ARA TWT.
Thrust reverser research model (TRUFLOW) designed and manufactured at ARA with UV oilflow testing in the RUAG low speed tunnel.
ARA TRUFLOW CFD result with 3D visualisation.
IR Thermal image of transition research model in the ARA TWT.
ARA Dual-Axis Mass Flow Control System.
Upgraded acoustic liner and microphone arrays with large scale propeller in the ARA TWT.
Gust generation rig testing in the ARA TWT.
Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) tests of a cavity research model.
Mantis UAV test in the ARA TWT.
Captive trajectory tests with Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) in the ARA TWT.
ARA’s 60th Anniversary celebrations.
SAAB Gripen with pressure-sensitive paint testing in the ARA TWT.
Bombardier C-series testing in the ARA TWT.
Hybrid Laminar Flow research model testing in the ARA TWT.
Airbus A380 testing in the ARA TWT.
ARA’s 50th Anniversary celebrations, featuring HRH The Duke of Edinburgh presenting a commemorative plaque to Mr Ron Hills, ARA’s 1st Chief Executive.
Completion of the ARA noise enclosure to allow 24hr operation of the ARA TWT.
Nimrod 2000 maritime patrol aircraft testing in the ARA TWT.
New Sulzer compressor installed for the TWT.
Airbus A340-600 testing in the ARA TWT.
McDonnell Douglas Joint Strike Fighter contender testing using pressure-sensitive paint in the ARA TWT.
Boeing Joint Strike Fighter contender in the ARA TWT.
Lockheed Martin Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) contender, later designated F-35 in the ARA TWT.
Airbus A320 cryogenic model designed and manufactured at ARA for the European Transonic Wind Tunnel (ETW).
BAE146 half model with through flow nacelles, testing in the TWT.
Acoustic testing of a large scale contra-rotating propeller in the TWT.
New honeycomb flow straightener installed in the TWT.
EFA (European Fighter Aircraft – later Eurofighter Typhoon), testing on the ARA Two Sting Rig (TSR).
Airbus A300 family testing begins at ARA.
Tornado with multiple balanced stores being tested in the TWT.
Harrier and Concorde models being prepared for test in the TWT.
ARA Captive Trajectory Rig (CTR) or Two Sting Rig (TSR) developed, showing Harrier with store release.
ARA Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) group formed.
Upgraded model movement system and novel rig developments, showing Tornado on cranked sting arrangements.
Early Turbine Powered Simulator (TPS) testing on the Galaxy half model in the TWT.
Transonic and Supersonic testing of Concorde.
ARA Hypersonic wind tunnels (M = 6.0, 7.0 & 8.0).
Official opening of the ARA Sports & Social Club facility for staff and their families.
ARA Workshop for manufacturing wind tunnel models.
Opening of the Two Dimensional (2DT) wind tunnel for aerofoil sections.
Upgrades to the TWT control and data acquisition systems.
TWT Testing of the TSR2 aircraft (Tactical Strike & Reconnaissance).
Commissioning of the ARA Supersonic Wind Tunnel (M = 4.0 to 5.0).
The first wind tunnel test, Saunders Roe SR-177.
The official opening of the ARA Transonic Wind Tunnel (TWT) by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.
Construction progress at ARA Bedford site.
Formation of the Aircraft Research Association by the 14 Member Companies with Mr Ron Hills appointed as Chief Executive. Artists impression of ARA.