The US Navy has announced the renovation of a noise-suppressed aircraft cell engine testing facility in Patuxent River, Maryland.
The center, which had been closed for more than a decade, houses the Naval Air Systems Command’s Engine Test Instrumentation Replacement System (ETIRS), which is used to optimize propulsion validations for military planes.
Upon reactivation, the laboratory will support a “controlled, weather-independent testing environment” to minimize schedule risks and decrease associated off-site expenses.
The infrastructure project is led by the Common Aviation Support Equipment Program Office (PMA-260), which is responsible for the development and acquisition of the navy’s test and ground support equipment, as well as the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command, which oversees the force’s engineering facilities and expertise.
“The revitalization of the T-10 Test Cell Facility is a crucial step in reducing cost and schedule risk for the ETIRS program,” PMA-260 Program Manager Capt. Matt Wilcox stated.
“As legacy engine test instrumentation systems become obsolete, our team remains committed to delivering this enhanced capability to Sailors and Marines without disrupting I-level engine maintenance operations.”
According to the US Navy, the cell engine facility serves as a “force multiplier,” which supports the military’s broader modernization efforts for aviation support equipment, maintenance capability, and fleet readiness.
“By optimizing test and evaluation opportunities and ensuring efficient resource utilization, this strategic effort directly supports the program office’s goal to deliver our products on time, on cost, with proven functionality and reliability,” Wilcox said.
