Instrumentation of a Pilot Counterflow Facility

In the VKF Counterflow Facility a small test model is launched upstream through the test section flow of a shock tunnel, thus producing relative velocities greater than that of either single component. This facility is presently capable of simulating model velocities greater than 30 000 ft/s (9.2 km/s) and altitudes from 50 000 to 200 000 ft (15.2 to 61 km). Instrumentation systems and components essential to the operation of this facility are described in this paper.