The 155mm KATANA technical team successfully tested the guidance function and ballistic behavior of the ammunition in this wind tunnel capable of covering speeds ranging from Mach 0.1 to 6.05. Despite the particular conditions imposed by the Covid-19, the two campaigns took place in excellent conditions thanks to ONERA's professionalism and excellent cooperation between the both teams.
The trials could not take place during the containment period. Nevertheless, ONERA's work on this program did not stop there: test technicians, instrument technicians, wind tunnel fitters and installation managers maintained dialogue with their customer and partner, Nexter. The projectile demonstrator was mounted on a stinger line (equipped with a roll head) on the stinger-holder sector of the wind tunnel.
The first campaign focused on the guided part of the flight, from the opening of the CAS (Control Actuation System - set of control surfaces), a device enabling trajectory control, until target arrival (see diagram). It made it possible to refine the digital models and test different ammunition configurations throughout the planned flight range.