Łukasiewicz Institute marks centennial with modernized T‑3 aerodynamic tunnel

On 1 August 2026 the Łukasiewicz Institute of Aviation (Łukasiewicz – Instytut Lotnictwa) celebrated 100 years since its founding as the Institute of Technical Aviation Research (IBTL). Director Dr hab. inż. Cezary Szczepański highlighted the institute’s historic role in designing aircraft such as the TS‑8 Bies and TS‑11 Iskra and in advancing engines, avionics and composite materials, while stressing its commitment to future innovation.

The institute has also completed a major upgrade of its T‑3 aerodynamic tunnel in Warsaw. The renovation, costing over 100 million zł, created the largest wind‑tunnel of its type in Poland and Central‑Eastern Europe, with a 5‑metre airflow diameter and speeds up to 100 m s⁻¹. Dr inż. Przemysław Drężek described the tunnel as a practical tool for testing aircraft, rockets and other aerospace components, and Minister Kulasek noted that 105 million zł from the National Reconstruction Plan (KPO) funded the project. The modernised facility will support national aviation, space and defence programmes and collaborations with the European Space Agency and the European Defence Fund, reducing the need for Polish researchers to conduct tests abroad.