The tests at Wichita State’s National Institute for Aviation Research just got bigger—at least where the tests are going to take place.

A new leasing agreement between NIAR and the Kansas Coliseum will allow full-scale structure testing for the Learjet 85, currently being built in the building north of Wichita on I-35. NIAR is remodeling the coliseum for that purpose. 

NIAR now does all that testing in a lab rented from Hawker Beechcraft. Due to a new leasing agreement between NIAR and the former Kansas Coliseum, some of the testing on full-scale structures will be set up there.  The testing structure for the Learjet 85 is currently being built in the former Kansas Coliseum as NIAR remodels the building for their testing purposes. 

Research, according to Tracee Friess, the marketing and communications manager for the National Institute for Aviation Research, is why NIAR is an intricate part of Wichita State University. The building some students never set foot in houses several laboratories for aviation testing and simulations. 

Currently, NIAR is working on testing parts and materials for the Bombardier Learjet 85. Most projects that occur in NIAR are protected through client agreements, so no party releases information prematurely. However, Bombardier has given NIAR permission to discuss some aspects of their partnership. 

Of the several laboratories in the NIAR building, the Learjet 85 is undergoing several tests to make sure it passes standards for manufacturing. 

“In the mechanical testing lab, they would be doing materials tests on small samples on the material that’s being used for that aircraft,” Friess said. “But in the full-scale structures test lab, they’ll be doing tests of the full-size articles that would be part of that aircraft.” 

“That facility ended up being almost perfect for what we needed,” Friess said. “It’s going to be a great facility when it’s complete.”

The renovations should be finished by this February and full-scale testing will be conducted on the Learjet 85. As soon as all tests are completed, information will be sent back to Bombardier, where provided positive results, the aircraft should be manufactured. 

“I think research in general is very important for a university to be able to survive and thrive,” Friess said. “It’s a huge selling point for the college of engineering.” 

NIAR not only provides research for the aviation industry, it also gives student employees an opportunity to work there. 

“Students come and work directly with aviation clients and gain experience in their fields before they graduate,” Friess said. “It’s also a benefit to the Wichita community.”