A Ground-Based Test Facility for Turboprop/Turboshaft Engine Development in Hanwha Aerospace

Abstract This paper describes Hanwha Aerospace’s (HAS) recently renovated ground-based engine test facility and its role in the development of proprietary turboprop and turboshaft engines. Since its beginning in the aviation engine business in 1979, HAS has been at the forefront of Korea’s advanced turbo-machinery industry, which includes engine license production, overhaul, engine parts/modules manufacture and export, and worldwide joint aircraft engine research. HAS also has a Risk and Revenue Sharing Program (RSP) agreement with global aircraft original engine manufacturers (OEMs) for joint development. HAS owns ground-based test facilities for the development of various types of gas turbine engines, including a recently renovated turboprop and turboshaft engine test facility. The test cell consists of components such as 1) the test facility construction (intake/exhaust stack, engine test room, engine preparation area, equipment room, and control room), 2) ancillary systems (fuel/oil/preservation oil/air/water storage and supply systems), and 3) special test equipment (test stand, engine adapter, dynamometer, and dress kit). This study shares insight into the considerations, specific details, and lessons learned during the renovation of the existing test cell with the goal of advancing the field of engine testing. Recent modification have significantly advanced its functionality for development testing and performance evaluation of turboprop and turboshaft engines. The facility is anticipated to play a vital role in the development of Korean-owned future advanced gas turbine engines.