Icing Wind Tunnel Testing Facility in Munich
In cooperation with Airbus XLabs we operate an advanced icing wind tunnel facility in the Munich area, supporting component-level testing under controlled icing conditions.
Located within one of Europe’s most important aerospace and technology clusters, the facility combines technical capability with direct access to a strong network of industry, research, and innovation.
Located at the Core of the Munich Aerospace Ecosystem
Our operations are embedded in the environment of the Ludwig Bölkow Campus, a leading hub for aerospace, security, and high-tech development.
This ecosystem brings together:
- Industrial players such as Airbus and its divisions
- Research initiatives like Munich Aerospace
- Innovation platforms such as TUM Venture Labs
The close interaction between research, startups, and industry enables fast knowledge exchange and efficient project collaboration.
Built for Companies in Munich and Beyond
The Munich region is home to a rapidly evolving aerospace and defense landscape, including established OEMs and emerging technology companies such as Quantum Systems, Helsing, Vectoflow, Aerostack, and many more.
For companies in this environment, proximity to a specialized icing test facility enables:
- Short development cycles with direct test access
- On-site collaboration during testing campaigns
- Rapid iteration between design, testing, and evaluation
At the same time, our work extends well beyond the Munich ecosystem. We support national and international customers and partners across aerospace, propulsion, research, and advanced technology, including GE Aerospace, Safran, Garrett Motion, Fraunhofer institutes, IRT Saint Exupéry, the University of Nottingham, and others.
Local Access, Global Experience
While deeply rooted in the Munich ecosystem, our work extends far beyond it.
We have supported projects across multiple divisions of Airbus, including:
- Airbus Helicopters
- Airbus Commercial Aircraft
- Airbus Defence and Space
We are also involved in European collaborative research environments such as Clean Aviation’s Ultra Performance Wing project. The project brings together a broad European consortium; selected partners include DLR, ONERA, CIRA, Dassault Aviation, DNW, FACC, Liebherr-Aerospace Lindenberg, Liebherr-Electronics and Drives, NLR, TU Berlin, TU Delft, University of Bremen, University of Stuttgart, Aernnova Aerospace, and R&D Test Systems.
This combination of local accessibility and global experience allows us to support both regional and international development programs.
What Can Be Tested
The icing wind tunnel is used for a wide range of component-level investigations, including:
- Ice accretion on aerodynamic and non-aerodynamic geometries
- Evaluation of ice protection systems
- Testing of sensors and measurement devices (e.g. pitot probes, pressure systems)
- Coating performance under icing conditions
For detailed capabilities, see:
Why Work with a Munich-Based Icing Test Facility
Choosing a testing partner in Munich offers practical advantages:
- Direct access to a major aerospace and defense hub in Europe
- Efficient collaboration with local engineering and development teams
- Short travel distances within Central Europe
- Integration into an active research and innovation environment
Combined with flexible testing approaches and rapid turnaround times, this enables efficient development workflows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the facility located?
The facility is located in the Munich area, within the Ludwig Bölkow Campus environment in Taufkirchen.
Can teams be present during testing?
Yes, on-site collaboration during testing campaigns is possible and often beneficial for rapid iteration.
Do you work with international customers?
Yes, we regularly support projects from across Europe and international customers.
Is the facility suited for development work or only research?
The facility supports both research and application-driven development, including early-stage validation and pre-certification activities.