Introduction
The Aerodynamics and Acoustics Facility (AAF), was formerly named the CLP Power Wind/Wave Tunnel Facility (WWTF). The facility is one of central research facilities at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST). The facility was first opened by the Hon. Tung Chee Hwa, Chief Executive of Hong Kong SAR, the Chancellor of HKUST, and the Hon. Michael D. Kadoorie, Chairman of CLP Holdings, on the 9th of June, 2000. Between 2015 and 2019, the facility was redeveloped with a brand new state-of-the-art low-noise wind tunnel, and world-class large acoustic testing laboratories, focused towards to a new era of modern and exciting aerodynamics and acoustics research and development.
News
HKUST AAF worked closely with Prof. Xin Zhang's research team at the Aerodynamics, Acoustics and Noise Control Technology Centre (AANTC), together with Prof. Chuntai Zheng's research group at Shenzhen Technology University, to conduct outdoor noise measurements of a DJI T100 drone on 16-17 September 2026. The campaign took place at the Bay Area Zhilian test facility in Pingshan District, Shenzhen, and collected acoustic data under different loading and flight conditions.
AAF provided comprehensive experimental support for measurement preparation, on-site setup and field testing, working with Prof. Zhang's team to complete outdoor acoustic measurements of a drone in the 150 kg class.
The campaign used a distributed data acquisition (DAQ) system connected to a ground microphone array to collect acoustic signals from multiple measurement positions. AAF and Prof. Zhang's team jointly deployed the field measurement system, integrating the acquisition equipment with the array to record sound during the drone flights. These recordings will be used to compare drone noise under different loading and operating conditions.
The DJI T100 measurements form part of Prof. Zhang's team's ongoing environmental noise measurement programme for low-altitude aircraft. In recent years, the team has conducted multiple campaigns involving drones and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft at locations in mainland China and Hong Kong, and the programme will continue to expand to additional aircraft types and operating conditions.
The measurements form part of both a research project on environmental noise in the low-altitude economy supported by Hong Kong's Environment and Conservation Fund and Hong Kong's Low-altitude Economy Regulatory Sandbox project, providing an experimental basis for aircraft noise characterisation, sound propagation modelling and evidence-based technical recommendations.
Building on the field measurements, the research team will analyse the acoustic recordings to support noise assessments of operating scenarios relevant to the Regulatory Sandbox, including aircraft noise emissions and acoustic impacts along flight routes and around take-off and landing sites. Prof. Zhang's team also actively participates in research and the development of environmental noise standards for low-altitude aircraft. The measurement data and subsequent research findings will provide experimental evidence and technical support for future noise measurement procedures, assessment methods and management standards.
We were pleased to host Mr. Adrian Siu, Managing Director of Adidas Greater China, and his colleague during their visit to our facilities on June 8, 2026.
During the visit, Prof. Xin Zhang provided a technical demonstration of our low-noise, low-speed wind tunnel and shared insights into our latest research and development projects. We welcomed the opportunity to showcase our current technical capabilities and the progress of our ongoing engineering work.
HKUST has partnered with Li-Ning Group to launch the HKUST–Li-Ning Joint Laboratory for Sports Science and Technologies. The lab will promote innovation in sports equipment design, materials science, and human ergonomics, aiming to speed up the translation of sports research into real-world products and applications. On April 28, a plaque unveiling ceremony marked the official launch, attended by HKUST President Prof. Nancy Ip and Dr. Li Ning. Ip highlighted Li’s past support for research and talent recruitment. Dr. Li emphasized aligning visions of innovation and excellence. The partnership will leverage HKUST’s research strengths and Li-Ning’s industry expertise to foster deeper collaboration, resource matching, and industry-relevant technology development.
Key collaboration areas include small‑scale low‑noise sports wind tunnel technology, studies on sports performance and equipment functionality, as well as intelligent motion capture and algorithmic modelling of elite athletes’ performance. The two parties will also establish a structured talent development mechanism to further strengthen collaboration across industry, academia and research.
The Joint Laboratory will be located on the HKUST campus and will be led by Prof. ZHANG Xin, Chair Professor of the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at HKUST, who also serves as the Director of the Aerodynamics and Acoustics Facility, and the HKUST Sports Science and Technology Research Center.
Location
Wong Check She Research Center for Environment and Infrastructure,
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology,
Clear Water Bay, Kowloon,
Hong Kong S.A.R
For any inquiry, please send an email to :
Mr. T.Y. Leung, Assistant Director
Email : aaf@ust.hk
Tel. +852 3469 2829