Marine Gas Turbine Evaluation and Research at the Admiralty Test House, RAE Pyestock

The Admiralty Test House (ATH) at the Royal Aerospace Establishment Pyestock has provided test bed facilities for evaluation of marine gas turbines and ancillary equipments for Royal Naval use since 1952. While the ATH is presently undergoing an extensive refurbishment program in preparation for trials of the Rolls-Royce 20MW Spey SM1C, research continues on a number of innovative gas turbine condition monitoring techniques. This paper presents a brief history of the Marine Gas Turbine Section and describes the facilities of the ATH following major refurbishment. The capabilities of the steady-state and transient data gathering facilities are outlined, together with the automated engine and test control systems, which provide cost-effective engine evaluation in both endurance and minor equipment trials.