Turboshaft Engine Altitude Testing for Army Qualification

The altitude qualification test is one of the key test activities during the Army's Engineering & Manufacturing Development program that must be successfully completed by test in order to complete engine qualification. It is also one of the most expensive tests that must be performed during Qualification Testing, putting it under substantial schedule and cost pressure. This paper provides background to the tests the Army requires for the altitude qualification, presents the elements of the altitude test, discusses what is being learned during these elements of the test, and considers the test parameter control for the altitude test. The paper concludes with a discussion of lessons learned; a compilation of material collected over the past 50 years while engaged in various forms of altitude test, whether for research and development or for qualification. The full list of altitude test requirements with supplemental details found elsewhere in referenced documents are provided in an appendix, making this a thorough, standalone documentation of Army turboshaft engine altitude qualification requirements.