Defense facilities in TN
18 facilities · 5 categories
Propulsion
Propulsion in TN →12V Space Chamber
Arnold AFB, TN
Aerodynamic and Propulsion Test Unit
Arnold AFB, TN
The Aerodynamic and Propulsion Test Unit (APTU) is a blowdown facility designed for true temperature aerodynamic, propulsion, and material/structures testing. A vitiated air heater (VAH) provides the required temperature. Liquid oxygen is added in an oxygen mole fraction exists in the test medium. The facility is completely computer-controlled during a run, and very rapidly transitions in pressure and temperature (altitude changes) that can be accomplished at a fixed Mach number. The remote location of the facility plus the straight line ejector exhaust configuration, allows for unique test capabilities. For example, test article hardware separation, i.e. releasable model shrouds, is allowed. Certain types of ammunition/explosive (live-fire testing can be done. The facility is also sited for 10,000 pounds of Class 1.3 explosives.
Aeropropulsion Systems Test Facility (ASTF)
Arnold AFB, TN
Information processing capability-ASTF C-cells Data Acquisition and Processing System (CDAPS) with its 12 minicomputers plus a high-speed CRAY-XMP/14SE super computer can acquire and process test information from more than a thousand sensors embedded in the facility and propulsion system and deliver the results in near real time to engineers directing the test.
ASTF Icing Capabilities
Arnold AFB, TN
Under existing FAA and JAA certification regulations, an airplane must demonstrate the ability to operate safely in a wide range of icing conditions. Engine icing occurs as aircraft fly through clouds of supercooled liquid water droplets. The water droplets impact the forward facing surfaces of the aircraft and the engine and, when the heat of fusion of the liquid water is removed from the surface, the small water droplets freeze. Ice adhering to airfoil surfaces will distort the airflow and lead to altered performance of the airfoil. In turbine engines and inlets, ice collection can eventually, sometimes in a matter of a few minutes, alter or block enough airflow to cause engine operability problems.
ENGINE TEST FACILITY (ETF)
Arnold AFB, TN
Propulsion systems are the key to developing reliable future flight vehicles. The most critical pacing element for aircraft, missiles and spacecraft is the flight vehicle's propulsion system. Testing of rocket propulsion systems provides information such as the burning characteristics of propellants, the precise amount of thrust delivered, durability of the engine and compatibility of the components and associated controls. Simulated flight tests of rocket propelled missiles or space systems can provide information which can reduce the number of costly launches and test flights and reduce the time required in development of a system. Flight failures cost millions of dollars and cause major schedule delays because typically they come very late in the development cycle.
The von Karman Gas Dynamics Facility Wind Tunnels
Arnold AFB, TN
Aviation
Aviation in TN →Aerodynamic Wind Tunnel 4T
Arnold AFB, TN
Hypersonic Wind Tunnels
Arnold AFB, TN
Hypervelocity Range Facility
Arnold AFB, TN
Hypervelocity Wind Tunnel 9
Arnold AFB, TN
J-9 Large Rocket Motor Test Facility
Arnold AFB, TN
Propulsion Wind Tunnel Facility
Arnold AFB, TN
Space Science Technology
Space Science Technology in TN →10V Space Chamber
Arnold AFB, TN
The 10V Space Chamber is a state-of-the-art deep space environment simulation test facility designed to test high performance interceptors and surveillance sensors. The chamber shares vehicle handling and target systems with the 7V Space Chamber as well as support infrastructure. The facility consists of a 10-foot-diameter by 30-foot-long chamber containing a full gaseous helium thermal shroud and an optically clean vacuum pumping system. A 300,000-pound seismic mass allows vibration isolation of the optical bench and all optical elements. The chamber is surrounded by a class 1000 clean room.
Decade Radiation Test Facility
Arnold AFB, TN
The DRTF is a world-class, unique facility producing multiple radiation environments to test various systems such as satellites and missile guidance controls and their components. A smaller X-ray simulator, the Modular Bremsstrahlung Source (MBS) provides nuclear weapons effects (NWE) testing on cables and small satellite components. It is the only DoD nuclear weapons effects facility with the capability to sufficiently test systems to their high confidence requirements and show they will survive and properly function in radiation environments experienced during their missions.
Mark 1 Test Facility
Arnold AFB, TN
The Mark I Test Facility is a state-of-the-art space environment simulation test chamber for full-scale space systems testing. A $1.5M dollar upgrade in fiscal year 2000 replaced existing oil diffusion pumps with a complete dry pumping system, cleaned the interior of the chamber and refinished the surface the (LN2) thermal shroud. A new Hewlett Packard 3852, with 1,500 channels of data capability, replaced the previous Micro-Vax data system. These upgrades, combined with the shear size of the facility, at 42 ft diameter by 82 ft, postures AEDC for future testing of full-scale satellites and other space systems requiring a contamination-free test environment.