Computer simulation of ionic wind in the wire-plane electrode system is followed by its experimental verification. The complete set of equations for ionic wind is considered, with convective and conductive heat transfer in the air taken into account. Air velocity distributions are obtained using the Particle Image Velocimetry method. Flow patterns in simulation and experiment are similar. The main jet of ionic wind splits into two side streams after impacting the plate. The resulting drained thermal power due to ionic wind convection is up to 5 times greater than the heat power dissipated due to natural convection. The computed outgoing heat power is in good correspondence with experimental measurements.