21 May
2004
IAC AVIATION’S
MOBILE TEST FACILITY FOR HELICOPTER ENGINES NOW SUPPORTING THE FRONT LINE
 The
world–first Mobile Test Facility (MTF) for helicopter engines from
IAC Aviation of the UK is now an indispensable component of front line
support having been commissioned by RAF Benson in Oxfordshire and RNAS
Culdrose in Cornwall, both in the UK.
The MTF was unveiled
at Europe’s biggest sector show, Aerospace Testing 2004 in Hamburg
at the end of March. The award-winning, unique MTF platform is the latest
innovation from the world-leading engine testing suppliers, IAC Aviation
(www.iacl.co.uk).
A great deal of interest
was shown in the MTF at the Show, in particular from Europe and the Far
East, and further MTF options are now being developed for additional engine
types.
IN-THEATRE ENGINE
TESTING
The MTF’s primary
benefit is that it allows engine testing on location in a war theatre,
saving valuable time and manpower resources. It is completely self sufficient
with on-board power generation and can operate anywhere, anytime.
FIRST DEVELOPED FOR
THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
The MTF was developed
for the Ministry of Defence to support the new RTM322 helicopter engine
that is entering into service across all British armed forces.
ENGINE VARIANTS
The MTFs so far supplied
support both the Mk100 ‘Merlin’, Mk100, Mk250 and Mk200 ‘Support’
RTM322 engine variants. These engines are utilised in the Royal Navy’s
and the RAF’s versions of the EH101 helicopter. Other RTM322 variants
(i.e. Apache and NH90) and/or other turbo-shaft engine types can be easily
accommodated and MTF options are now available for the T700, T800, Gnome
and Gem engines.
The MTF tests the
new engine to flight idle speed with a full load performance option also
available and MTFs now have as standard an onboard air starter and high
performance running gear.
MAXIMUM OPERATOR SUPPORT
The MTF’s additional
features include an air conditioned Acoustic Control Room with full-width
bullet-resistant viewing window, while the computerised Data Acquisition
System gives the operator access to all engine and facility parameters
Black Box Event Logs, and integral Alarm with Automated Engine Shutdown.
Patrick Fourcampre-Maye
is IAC Aviation’s product manager and has worked on the project
since its inception in 2001. “Interest shown in the MTF at Hamburg
was very positive and now many more variants are in the pipeline. It’s
clear that there is a considerable demand out there for this testing technology
and it’s good to see the MTF being successfully deployed and making
a difference on the ground.”
For further information
on the MTF contact Patrick Fourcampre-Maye on + 44 (0)1962 873000 and
watch out for the new IAC Aviation website that is under development.
*MoD terminology for
the Mobile Test Facility trailer is Low Power Engine Test Stand (LPETS).
ENDS
For further press
information, please contact: Sally Davis in the IAC Press Office on tel/fax:
+ 44 (0)23 9266 1600 sally@theprdepartment.co.uk
IAC Limited
IAC House
Moorside Road
Winchester SO23 7US
United Kingdom
Main switchboard: Tel: + 44 (0)1962 873000
Peter Dawson, Director
of Aviation direct line + 44 (0)1962 873052
peterd@iacl.co.uk
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