Saving Big Bucks on Engine Tests

Arnold Engineering Development Center officials in Tennessee estimate that a collaborative effort among its engineers, the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center, and engine-maker Pratt & Whitney has saved about $7.2 million on the first test in a series to verify component improvements for the P&W F100. AEDC has tested the F100 engine, which powers F-15 and F-16 aircraft, since 1969, logging more than 20,000 test hours. Working with partners P&W and OC-ALC, the AEDC engineers were able to combine similar test elements, eliminate non-essential test points, and incorporate other test efficiencies. Ed Tucker, test project manager for AEDC’s 717th Test Squadron, said the result was freeing more F100 program money “to address engine issues in the field.” (AEDC report by Janae Daniels)