Space History Photo: Langley's First Wind Tunnel

Two mechanics pose near the entrance of Langley's first wind tunnel. CREDIT: NACA. View full size image

In this historical photo from the U.S. space agency, Langley's first wind tunnel is pictured. The honeycombed, screened center of this open-circuit air intake for the wind tunnel insured a steady, nonturbulent flow of air. Two mechanics pose near the entrance end of the actual tunnel, where air was pulled into the test section through a honeycomb arrangement to smoothen the flow.

The National Advisory Committe on Aeronautics (NACA) was a precursor to NASA. NACA was created by Congress in 1915.

Each weekday, SPACE.com looks back at the history of spaceflight through photos (archive).