Engine Test Facilities

CURRENT technological developments in aircraft engines demand highly sophisticated test cells and equipment. Research and development at an engine manufacturers plant is the preferred option to operating a flying test bed in actual conditions, since all kinds of emergencies and unlikely malfunctions can be safely demonstrated and long term development economically pursued. Many operators now have their own facilities; a trend which has been increasing for some time as the commercial sense and time saving potential inherent in testing at a ‘home base’ have become more accepted. Test facilities may be designed for a specific civil or military application but more probably in today's environment, will be capable of meeting the requirements of a number of products of varying sizes.