Aeropropulsion testing

One of the nation's largest complex of test facilities, the Arnold Engineering Development Center is involved extensively in the ground testing of propulsion systems.

With continuing consolidation and technological advancements occurring in the aerospace industry, testing centers such as those at the Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC) often must reevaluate their capabilities to meet the future needs of their customers. They must deal with demands for reduced time-to-market, lower costs, and better and more useful information.

Several programs underway at the AEDC's Aeropropulsion facilities include Pratt & Whitney F119 testing for the F-22, F100 testing for the F-15/F-16 aircraft, testing of the Global Hawk engine, and a few undisclosed commercial programs. The group also recently concluded preliminary testing of the F119 variant that will be used in the Joint Strike Fighter program. The AEDC expects to get further work on these engines as the JSF program enters Engineering & Manufacturing Development (E&MD).