F135 test demonstrates success of AEDC workshare initiative Published Jan. 23, 2015 By Deidre Ortiz AEDC/PA ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, TENN. -- "The workshare initiative is an example of how Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC) consistently improves the test experience," said Dan Blaettler, program manager of U.S. Air Force Engine Component Improvement. Blaettler's comment is in reference to the Accelerated Mission Testing (AMT) of the F135-PW-100 Conventional Take Off and Landing/Carrier Variant (CTOL/CV) occurring in the Sea Level 2 (SL-2) test cell at Arnold Air Force Base. The F135 engine, which has been tested at AEDC since 1999, powers the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. As part of the workshare efforts now being implemented at Arnold Air Force Base, AEDC test teams have taken on responsibilities that are usually held by the original equipment manufacturer. This new process was displayed during the F135 AMT when testing was performed for a day without assistance from Pratt & Whitney personnel - a milestone event for AEDC. John Kelly, AEDC F135 test manager, stated that in the past an F135 AMT in the sea level test cells SL-2 or SL-3 required at least two Pratt & Whitney test engineers, one mechanic, one instrumentation tech and one controls engineer from United Technology Corporation Aerospace Systems. "Due to the workshare program we've initiated at AEDC, we've been increasing the role of AEDC in SL AMTs," he said. "When we ran on Nov. 26, we ran E116 with only AEDC and ATA personnel and the Hamilton Sundstrand controls engineer. No Pratt & Whitney personnel were on-site for the testing. We were able to prep the engine for the test, which includes a walk around inspection to ensure the engine is properly configured. We then accomplished the day's testing followed by completing everything required to safely shutdown both the facility and engine." Though perhaps more work on the AEDC test team's part, saving customers time and money is top priority. "This is a cost savings to the customer, because none of our AEDC people are on travel expenses," Kelly said. "Also, it gained the customer an extra day of testing because this would normally have been a travel day for the Pratt & Whitney personnel to get home for the [Thanksgiving] holiday." Jeff Albro, Joint Strike Fighter Program Office test and evaluation manager for the F135 engine, noted that AEDC remains innovative and is always looking to give the customer the most for its money. "The workshare initiative is another way in which AEDC continues to think out of the box," he said. "What used to be the norms are being challenged in terms of traditional manning profiles. When we combine this with AEDC's change to 24-hour operations for AMT testing, the result is tangible savings to their customers." Blaettler stated he's in agreement that the AEDC "workshare decreases cost, increases flexibility and achieves customer satisfaction." The F135 AMT in SL-2 is ongoing and is expected to wrap up sometime this spring.