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.
Location
Arnold AFB, Tennessee
From this record's listed location
Laboratory
- Arnold Engineering Development Center
Category
- Propulsion
Provenance
- Original
- https://dodtechmatch.com/dod/lab/viewfacility.aspx?id=71099
Carried forward from the DoD TechMatch catalog and shown here as it stood when the record was captured, so it may be outdated — see the live collections for current solicitations, filings, and events, and the platform history for how it got here. Not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Defense. Contact details from the original listing have been withheld.