76th MXW achieves major milestone for future capability Published June 12, 2008 By 2nd Lt. Eric Scott 547th PMXS/MXDRA TINKER AIR FORCE BASE -- A major milestone for the future capability of Air Force jet engine testing was achieved by reaching full operational capability of the next generation of engine testing system prototype. For the last 20+ years several Air Force bases have been testing engines using a system called Pacer Comet 3. As durable as this system was it has long since become obsolete and is rapidly becoming unsupportable as system components are no longer manufactured or sold. The new design, named Pacer Comet 4 (PC4) brings Tinkers capability into the 21st century. PC4 replaces the antiquated green monitors and thousands of feet of wiring with state-of-the-art technology including integrated circuits, touch screens, digital video recorders and sophisticated programming. Project engineering technical lead Brian Grissom of 76th PMXG explains, "PC4 boasts fully closed loop automation, where the computer runs the engine test from start to finish, ensuring efficient and consistent testing procedures and results." Tinker will be converting a total of 10 test cells to this world class system which will make testing more efficient and will attract new workloads. This can already be seen as Pratt and Whitney has agreed to partner with Tinker to test the engine of the C-17 cargo plane by mid 2010. Nearly all work for the upgrades is being performed 'in house' meaning there is no current job being handled by contractors. For example, 76th SMXG is the prime contractor for the project and is accomplishing most of the software and hardware design with our in-house engineering staff while 76th MXSG/MXSS provides maintenance and calibration support. Rounding out the effort is 76th PMXG with technical and performance oversight and expertise. Research and planning for requirements started back in 2003, with the first cell upgrade starting in late 2006. While it took over a year to complete the first cell upgrade, the project to convert all 10 cells is slated to wrap up in late 2011. PC4 management and engineers were deliberate with the pace of the first cell to ensure all requirements were met, as well as maximum knowledge gains and lessons learned were acquired. To date PC4 upgrades remain on schedule, on performance, and on cost. As for the future of other Air Force engine test facilities, engineering project lead Dave Hughes of 76th PMXG notes, "Pacer Comet 4 systems are also planned to be developed for the engine test cells at Edwards AFB and could eventually see a wider Air Force use." With a role as vital to the Air Force mission as engine test, Tinker has again stepped up to the plate and is showing the world that they are on the forefront of technology and innovation.