RAF Upper Heyford Test Cell 2-2013.
The Engine Test Cell was built so that rebuilt jet engines could be tested and run up to full power, in a safe and controlled environment. The Test Cell itself, was built to withstand a jet engine (under full test load) explosion. As a result it is built of two foot thick reinforced walls, along with 1 foot thick inspection glass windows, along with a self contained Halon fire suppression system.Jet engines were bolted down to a movable trolley which was wheeled into the test Cell through double blast doors, the trolley was then secured in place, in front of an Exhaust Efflux. Then fuel and engine coolent lines were then attached through connections in the floor. The Exhaust Efflux was water cooled under pressure to dampen down the engine exhaust heat which was generated by the engines when under full load. This generated massive clouds of steam which exited through the exhaust tunnel which can be seen on the end of the building.The only building we couldnt get in was the brick built one that had some lovely wall murals dedicated to Pratt and Whitney.
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