The U.S. Navy has announced the reopening and renovation of a noise-suppressed aircraft engine testing facility at Patuxent River, Maryland, marking the revival of a critical resource that had been dormant for over a decade.
This facility houses the Naval Air Systems Command’s Engine Test Instrumentation Replacement System (ETIRS), a vital tool for optimizing propulsion validations for military aircraft. The laboratory’s reactivation will provide a “controlled, weather-independent testing environment,” which is expected to mitigate scheduling risks and reduce costs tied to off-site testing.
The renovation project is being led by the Common Aviation Support Equipment Program Office (PMA-260), responsible for the Navy’s test and ground support equipment development, alongside the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command, which manages engineering facilities and technical expertise.
Capt. Matt Wilcox, PMA-260 Program Manager, emphasized the significance of the project, noting, “The revitalization of the T-10 Test Cell Facility is a crucial step in reducing cost and schedule risk for the ETIRS program.”
With older engine test instrumentation systems becoming obsolete, Wilcox assured that the Navy remains focused on delivering enhanced capabilities to both Sailors and Marines while ensuring that intermediate-level engine maintenance operations continue uninterrupted.
The U.S. Navy also highlighted the facility’s role as a “force multiplier,” contributing to the broader modernization of aviation support equipment, maintenance capabilities, and fleet readiness. By optimizing testing and resource management, the project supports the Navy’s commitment to delivering reliable and cost-effective solutions on time.
“By optimizing test and evaluation opportunities and ensuring efficient resource utilization, this strategic effort directly supports the program office’s goal to deliver our products on time, on cost, with proven functionality and reliability,” Wilcox added.