On Friday, August 28, 2026, RUAG celebrated the wind tunnel’s 80th anniversary together with guests from industry, research, government, and other partner organizations. Andreas Hauser, Head of the Aerodynamics Research Department, welcomed the guests and provided insight into the site’s development, its current areas of expertise, and the diverse applications of aerodynamic research at RUAG. Oliver Müller, Acting CEO of RUAG MRO Holding AG, the strategic importance of aerodynamics expertise in his opening remarks and highlighted how the know-how built up over decades—from the early days in 1946 to today’s and tomorrow’s technological challenges—has continued to evolve.
From 1946 to the technologies of tomorrow
What began immediately after the end of World War II with the establishment of a research infrastructure in Emmen has continued to evolve over eight decades. Today, RUAG combines in-depth aerodynamic expertise with modern measurement techniques, simulations, and experimental studies. The two wind tunnels make it possible to investigate aerodynamic properties under controlled conditions, validate concepts, and identify optimization potential at an early stage.
Aerodynamics Far Beyond Aviation
RUAG’s aerodynamic expertise is applied today in a wide variety of fields. In addition to aviation, the portfolio ranges from production vehicles and racing to skiing, cycling, and other sports applications, as well as specialized testing of products and materials such as umbrellas or fabrics. RUAG supports its customers in analyzing aerodynamic properties, identifying optimization potential, and further developing innovative solutions.
As demands for efficiency, performance, and technological innovation rise, aerodynamics continues to gain importance. The combination of many years of experience, highly specialized expertise, and modern technology lays the foundation for continuing to solve complex challenges across a wide range of industries in the future.
Collaboration as the Key to Success
The developments of the past 80 years would not have been possible without close collaboration with partners from industry, research, and the public sector. The anniversary therefore also provided an opportunity to look back on shared milestones while fostering dialogue about future challenges and opportunities.
The official anniversary program concluded with a speech by Karl Frehsner, the legendary former Swiss national ski coach and a recognized expert in alpine skiing. His speech bridged the gap between elite sports, innovation, and the importance of aerodynamic insights for performance optimization.
A Behind-the-Scenes Look for Employees and Their Families
On Saturday, August 29, 2026, RUAG opened the wind tunnel to employees and their families. Over 600 people took the opportunity to experience the research facility up close and gain insight into the work of the aerodynamics specialists.
The anniversary weekend thus brought together the past, present, and future: 80 years of the wind tunnel represent not only a significant chapter in Swiss engineering history but also RUAG’s ability to continuously build on existing knowledge and apply it to the challenges of tomorrow.
