Maryland's Glenn L. Martin Wind Tunnel is more than just hot air: BTN LiveBIG

The good news for Maryland students is they can take a year off of classes.

The bad news is they have to work in a wind tunnel that whole time.

Just kidding, that?s the awesome news. There is no bad news.

This week The Diamondback, Maryland?s independent student newspaper, profiled The Glenn L. Martin Wind Tunnel, which has been on the University of Maryland campus for almost 70 years. It was built in 1949 and named after the influential aerospace engineer whose work influenced the creation of Lockheed Martin and Boeing.

Though unknown to many students outside of aerospace and engineering fields, the Martin Wind Tunnel – which is considered a low-speed tunnel reaching speeds of 230 miles per hour – is highly sought after by private companies and others interested in testing the aerodynamics of everything from speedskating suits (from Under Armour) to cars (like the Ford Taurus). According to The Diamondback, it costs about $1000 an hour to rent the tunnel for testing purposes. Students who work in the tunnel for a year get real-world experience on field tests.

In the video below, Martin Tunnel director Jewel Barlow says ?Almost anything that moves in air or water has found some occasion to be tested in this wind tunnel.? Watch for more of a look inside one of Maryland?s best-kept secrets.