AIR5301A Installed Outdoor Engine Testing

This revision is being issued to update the information contained in the report where necessary and to add information regarding the provision of facilities that can be used for outdoor on-wing testing.

This SAE Aerospace Information Report (AIR) has been written to develop an understanding of the principle differences between installed (or on-wing) outdoor engine testing and tests that are typically undertaken in a purpose build engine test cell for the engine removed from the airframe. Because of these differences it is necessary to outline firstly the limitations of outdoor on-wing testing and to explain what these are based upon. Typically, these limitations can be environmental or can be equipment limited, but in some cases measurements undertaken in a test cell are at present impractical for on-wing testing. The report information has been developed through a broad research of industry specialists and review of specialist airframe maintenance manuals and technical documents that describe the processes currently used for such tests. In order to illustrate the typical scope of on-wing outdoor testing, this paper uses some specific airframe and engine examples for turbofan, turboprop and helicopter tests. These give guidance regarding a wide range of considerations necessary for successful outdoor on-wing testing, however, appropriate and accurate data for any tests should always be obtained from the equipment manufacturer prior to undertaking any test activity. The paper also covers the practical benefits of installed outdoor testing and gives examples, many of which relate to time and cost, but also the benefit of the engine being mounted on the airframe, and as a consequence while undertaking the tests, utilizing the actual services and controls that will be used in flight.