In this work a complete atmospheric EHD thruster is tested in a subsonic wind tunnel,
with the purpose of evaluating changes in performance due to simulated flight conditions
and, for the first time, comparing them with a physical model of the drift region. An
aerodynamic frame was designed to accommodate the electrodes inside the wind tunnel.
Propulsive force and electrical measurements were conducted to assess performance ex-
ploiting dimensionless coefficients derived from one-dimensional theory. The results, on
top of validating the theory, show how EHD thrusters can operate with a non-zero bulk
velocity and highlight the importance of optimized frames and electrodes to enhance the
capabilities of flying demonstrators. The test campaign revealed that the operating volt-
age envelope extends with increasing bulk velocity, leading to an increase in maximum
thrust.