A low-cost approach to conceptual design and development wind tunnel testing

Todd Leighton is a respected engineering leader with more than 25 years of experience designing, building, and testing complex aircraft modifications. In his current role as AeroTEC’s Director of Experimental Products, he leads both the Product Innovation and Flight Test Engineering teams as they design and test new and novel aerospace products for AeroTEC’s customers. His primary area of focus is in low speed external aerodynamics but has also worked on detailed structural design issues primarily in landing gear structures.  Todd has designed and tested numerous wind tunnel models for commercial and special mission aircraft to investigate low speed aerodynamic issues, design performance goals and validate preliminary design concepts. Todd holds a bachelor’s degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics from the University of Washington, is a FAA Structures DER, and has also worked on three America’s Cup campaigns.