Making Aerodynamics
Experiments Accessible
The VTX-200 Wind Tunnel brings hands-on aerodynamics learning
to the classroom — turning theory into real, measurable experience.
Engineering & Physics Departments
Empower students to visualize and measure aerodynamic forces first-hand. The VTX-200 enhances traditional coursework by turning complex airflow theories into practical, observable experiments.
Technical & Vocational Colleges
Provide learners with real-world experience in fluid dynamics. The VTX-200 supports skill-based education with easy setup, reliable data, and hands-on experimentation.
Demonstrations & Workshops
Perfect as a teaching aid, assignment platform or outreach program. The VTX-200 showcases aerodynamic principles in action, supporting both teaching and applied research environments.
Why We Developed the VTX-200
Physics is real — teaching it should be too. For years, engineering students have learned about fluid flow and aerodynamics through equations and simulations alone. The VTX-200 bridges the gap between theory and experience, giving students the chance to
see airflow, measure lift and drag, and understand aerodynamic behaviour in a tangible, visual way.
When engineers only had experience, we gave them a simulation. Now that students only have simulation, we bring back the experience.
- Compact, desktop-sized design
- Adjustable fan control
- Digital measurement system
- Transparent test section
We Could Tell You How Great We Are
—But Our Clients Do It Better
Thank you very much for visiting Wits and showcasing this impressive system. It provides an excellent way for students to observe flow patterns over various objects in real time, and it also has potential research applications. We truly appreciated your presentation and expertise.
Prof. Mohsen Sharifpur, PhD, Pr Eng.
School of Mechanical, Industrial and Aeronautical Engineering, Wits University,
The third years are currently using it for the first part of their Aeronautical Investigational Lab work, and they are designing and testing fuselages and fuselage-wing combinations. The students are having lots of fun, and it is really getting them to understand certain concepts and getting them to start thinking about what-if questions. It was really wonderful to watch how the students enjoyed the hands-on lab.
Prevani Kistan-Naidoo
Lecturer, Aerodynamics Engineer
We reshape the ordinary into the Extraordinary
Educational Workshops
The VTX-200 brings aerodynamic theory to
life — blending cutting-edge design and real
-time visualization to transform how students
experience airflow and performance.
Built by Engineers, for Educators
Our team collaborates with academic partners
to ensure every VTX-200 supports curriculum outcomes and inspires the next generation of innovators.
Theory and practical
Students can 3D print their own shapes, objects
or models and compare lift and drag results with theory and CFD simulations.
Flow Analysis
Vivid flow visualisation and data capture show
case how small changes in geometry can make a difference
tically affect aerodynamic behaviour — making invisible forces visible.
Student Workshops
Engineers, lecturers, and students engage their hands
on with the VTX-200, bridging the gap between simulation and physical testing in real learning environments.
Get Noticed
Learners interact directly with the wind tunnel, testing their ideas and seeing real-world aerody
-namics unfold right before their eyes.
VTX-200 Educational
Desktop Wind Tunnel
For decades, SIMTEQ has empowered engineers with world-class simulation tools. But as simulation became the norm, hands-on experience quietly faded. The VTX-200 closes this gap with an affordable, desktop wind tunnel—bringing real aerodynamic testing back into students’ hands. Compact and interactive, it lets them design, 3D-print, and test models,
directly comparing results with CFD simulations. With the VTX-200, students gain not just data but intuition—combining the best of simulation and real-world experience.
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Bridging the Gap Between Simulation and Experience When engineers only had experience, we…
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WITS University Welcomes the VTX-200. SIMTEQ Engineering is proud to announce the successful…
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There is a remarkable amount of manual labour (and passion!) going into assembling…
FAQ’s
Learn more about how the VTX-200 Educational Wind Tunnel fits into your lab, classroom, or research environment. From setup and safety to data collection and support — here’s everything you need to know before ordering.
What does the VTX-200 cost, and do you offer bulk pricing?
- The VTX-200 is priced at €5,320 / $6,250 per unit (excl. shipping and import duties*).
- We offer 10% off for orders of 5+ units in a single purchase.
- When you request a quote, we’ll include a full delivered price with shipping options to your location.
*Import code HS 902300 (Instruments, apparatus and models, designed for demonstrational purposes (for example, in education or exhibitions), unsuitable for other uses) applies to the VTX-200 wind tunnel and normally incur 0% import duties into most territories. Please consult your country’s customs tariff schedule applicable to HS 902300 imports from South Africa.
What experiments and learning outcomes does it support?
The VTX-200 is designed for hands-on aerodynamics labs that connect theory, CFD, and real measurements. Typical outcomes include:
- Visualising flow patterns and boundary layers
- Measuring lift and drag on airfoils, vehicles, and custom models
- Studying the effect of angle of attack and geometry on aerodynamic forces
- Comparing experimental results to CFD and analytical predictions
How it works (briefly):
Objects mount to the back wall or floor using standard 5 mm shafts, connected to load cells for direct lift/drag measurement. When wall-mounted, the angle can be controlled electronically with a manually set position or swept automatically through a defined range. Sweep speed and pause steps are adjustable for quasi-static comparisons. Flowline visualisation makes flow patterns easy to observe.
If you’d like a sample lab manual or experiment list for your course level, mention it in your quote request.
What’s included in the standard package, and what are the optional add-ons?
The VTX-200 ships fully assembled and calibrated, ready to run. Standard package includes:
- 3 × 5 mm mounting shafts (back wall and floor)
- Twist-lock removable flowline vane (29 lines)
- Resin-printed F-16 model (floor mount)
- NACA 2412 airfoil, 120 mm chord (wall mount with stepper control)
- Raised floating vehicle floor for car-model testing
Optional add-ons:
- Branding option: Organisation logo embossed on front panel. Free with vector/CAD logo files; €50 conversion from JPG/PNG. Minimal lead-time impact. (We’ll confirm placement and pricing in your quote.)
- Logo conversion from bitmap to 3D CAD if needed (€50)
- Custom model mounting adapters or bespoke models (quoted on request)
Tell us what you want to test in your quote request and we’ll recommend the right add-ons.
What are the key performance specs (airspeed range, test-section size, measurement accuracy)?
- Airspeed: Up to 7 m/s
- Test section: 200 × 200 mm, 650 mm long – ideal for ~1:18 scale cars and small airfoils without significant blockage
- Measurement accuracy:
- Lift/drag sensors: ±0.002 N (±0.2 g)
- Pressure: 0.1 Pa resolution
As with any real wind-tunnel test, forces on models fluctuate slightly due to natural flow turbulence around objects. The system supports quasi-static averaging and repeatable sweeps for reliable comparisons.
If you have specific models or target Reynolds numbers, we can confirm suitability in your quote.
What are the space, power, and setup requirements?
- The VTX-200 is a benchtop/desktop unit. Outer dimensions are 1315 (L) × 310 (W) × 425 (H) mm.
- It runs on a 400 W built-in supply and plugs into a standard 220 V outlet using a C13/C14 (kettle/PC) power cord.
- No special lab infrastructure is required.
What are typical lead times and delivery options (including international shipping)?
- Each VTX-200 is manufactured to order with optional custom branding. Typical lead time is 4–6 weeks from order confirmation.
- We ship internationally from South Africa via DHL, FedEx, Courier Guy, or Aramex, depending on your timeline and budget. We provide tracking and handle export documentation.
- Your quote will include shipping options and costs to your location.
What warranty, training, and after-sales support do you provide?
- Each VTX-200 is built and tested before shipping and includes a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty against defects.
- Accidental damage, misuse, or shipping damage isn’t covered (as with most lab equipment), and we recommend transit insurance for peace of mind.
- All components are modular and replaceable; spares can be ordered individually, and we’ll ensure compatibility with your unit even if suppliers change.
- Remote troubleshooting and setup guidance are included, and on-site training can be quoted if required.
Request a quote to receive warranty terms and support options for your institution.
Schedule your demo today!
Our Adress:
Fintech Campus
Cnr. Botterklapper and Ilanga Street,
The Willows (Die Wilgers)
Pretoria
0184
South Africa
