Arnold Air Force Base, Tenn. -- A team at the U.S. Air Force's Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC) recently conducted mission-critical altitude performance and qualification testing on an F135-PW-100 engine in Arnold's J-2 engine test cell. 

"This test was in support of [the] F135 Conventional Take-Off and Landing and Carrier Version (CTOL/CV) Initial Service Release Qualification for the Joint Strike Fighter program, said John Kelly, the Air Force manager for the project.

"This project had incredibly high visibility," Kelly continued. "[U.S. Marine Corps] Maj. General David Heinz, the Program Executive Officer at the F-35 Program Office [in Arlington, Va.] called to speak with [AEDC Commander] Col. Michael Panarisi and members of the AEDC test team to discuss the progress of the test." 

Marcos More, AEDC's J-2 engine test cell project manager, said this F135 engine test series presented the test team with some significant, but not insurmountable challenges. 

"AEDC was asked to complete all testing necessary for the F135 Initial Service Release qualification by Sept. 30," he said. "Various issues precluded meeting that date, but the test team responded with a catch-up program by scheduling and completing several mega-test air periods. The entire team rose to the challenge, and the user and sponsor successfully acquired their data by 8 a.m. on Oct. 2."