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AEDC test workload increases 50 percent, technology up 25 percent in 2014

  • Published
  • By Kathy Gattis
  • AEDC/PA
ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, TENN. --  Arnold Engineering Development Complex Director of Test Operations Col. Patrick Tom expects 2014 to be a challenging year with work across all of the business areas, including a 50 percent overall increase in testing and a 25 percent increase in technology workload.

"We have engines pinned in six test cells for the first time in eight years, to include engine support of the DOD's (Department of Defense) priority F-22 and F-35 fighters," Tom said.

In other areas, the Engine Test Facility, the Propulsion Wind Tunnel Facility and the von Karman Gas Dynamics Facility are running concurrently for the first time in more than six years. PWT is covering three shifts of operations, running 24-7.

On top of that, ATA is hiring up to 70 people to help with the increased testing tempo and many Air Force civilians are becoming "hands on" testers for the first time at AEDC.

"As DOD budgets shrink, the number of large programs may also shrink; however, there are still a large number of labs, technical demos and commercial customers who need our expertise in addition to the large, major defense acquisition programs," Tom said. "We have a reputation for supporting critical wind tunnels, turbines, space, and missile programs. Customers know that the solutions provided by AEDC are solution that both we and they can stand behind. The commitment and abilities of our people have been extraordinary over the years."

Still, Tom admits, it will be challenging to execute a robust workload with AEDC's smaller workforce and less funding than before. But he says the Complex can do it.

"When challenged, AEDC has always excelled," he said. "I believe this is a great opportunity to think differently about how we do test and evaluation here and to think more innovatively about how we provide efficient, effective T&E to our customers. We should all be excited about this opportunity. I know I am!"

ATA Deputy Director of Integrated Test and Evaluation Dr. Rob McAmis agrees. He says ATA is excited about the variety of workload across test areas, and likes the Air Force emphasis to 'own the experiment.'

"The concept of owning the experiment allows our teams to dig technically deep in the planning, execution and post-experiment assessment phase, ultimately providing our customers quality information in addition to basic data production," McAmis said. "We like a challenge. We have highly technical folks who make up our test project teams, and they excel most during times of challenge."

While the future of many DOD technology programs in today's fiscal environment is murky, AEDC stands poised to help reduce the cost and cycle time of any programs DOD chooses to pursue. AEDC Commander Col. Ray Toth sums up the role of Arnold AFB by stating, 'leveraging our highly-talented, innovative workforce of engineers, technicians and support personnel, AEDC remains committed to Gen. Hap Arnold's vision of ensuring the U.S. is never caught technologically unprepared to meet any adversary, any time, anywhere."