Wind tunnel testing is crucial in developing any high-speed vehicle or product relying on excellent aerodynamic performance, from aircraft to architecture. The use of wind tunnels began at the end of the 19th century, initially for aeronautical projects, and eventually spread to automotive and racing teams. While traditionally an industrial tool, Hong Kong-based startup Fun-Tech-Lab has developed a desktop wind tunnel called Windsible, making this technology accessible to everyone.

The Windsible desktop wind tunnel is designed for diecast car models but can accommodate anything that fits inside. With a fluid-based fogger device functioning like a smoke machine, Windsible offers an engaging way to visualize the aerodynamics of model cars, similar to methods used by automakers and race teams. Although the desktop version does not include data collection for improving an object’s aerodynamics, features such as LED lighting, an adjustable speed display, and various smoke nozzle options contribute to its special visual effects.

Windsible comes in three scales – 1:18, 1:24, and 1:64 – corresponding to the actual wind tunnels used by automakers. The largest Windsible measures just under 1 meter in length and has a wind tunnel test area of 400 x 200 x 140 mm, while the smallest offers a 100 x 90 x 50 mm space for testing. Windsible is highly portable and can be powered by a standard home socket. Even if you don’t conduct wind tunnel tests often, the test area is dust-proof, making it a great place to store your favourite car models.

Check out the Kickstarter page for this fun piece of technology. There is still about a month to back the project, with a starting price of US$129 and delivery expected to begin in October this year.