Specialist lifting manufacturer Modulift, in partnership with PSC Crane & Rigging, has facilitated the construction of the groundbreaking Flight Dynamics Research Facility (FDRF) in Virginia, USA. This facility marks the first major project of its kind in over 40 years and is set to support human exploration and science missions to the Moon, Mars, Venus, and Titan, Saturn’s moon.
The 25,000-square-foot facility, located at NASA’s Langley Research Centre in Hampton, Virginia, features a 120-foot vertical wind tunnel at its core. PSC Crane & Rigging successfully lifted the tunnel into place using two of Modulift’s MOD 50 spreader beams for a precise 4-point lift, demonstrating exceptional engineering expertise and collaboration.
The FDRF is designed to propel research and technology development for a range of NASA missions, including aeronautics, space exploration, and scientific advancements. With its advanced capabilities, the facility will supersede NASA’s 12-foot low-speed tunnel and vertical spin tunnel, which have been operational since the late 1930s.
The new infrastructure not only enhances NASA’s ability to study airflow dynamics around aerospace vehicles but also significantly reduces maintenance and operating costs compared to the older systems.
“What we’re going to do with this facility is literally change the world,” said Clayton Turner, Director of NASA Langley Research Centre. “The humble spirit of our researchers and this effort will allow us to reach for new heights, to reveal the unknown, for the betterment of humankind.”
Sarah Spivey, Managing Director at Modulift, expressed pride in the company’s contribution: “Modulift is known for its iconic yellow spreader beams across the world, and has set the precedent for safety, efficiency, and fast delivery in the global lifting industry. We are very proud to be part of this groundbreaking project.”
