The initial Spey engine tests inside a HAS (hardened aircraft shelter) at Newquay were successful up to max mil power – ie no reheat. We couldn’t go to reheat at Newquay (or first runs later elsewhere) since the electrical feed to the amplifier was wrong, which meant we didn’t have control at max mil. There were also issues with vibration and acoustic resonance plus limits on available time which meant we had to look elsewhere for more testing. Via the Phantom Aviation Group we made contact with Cotswold Airport (former RAF Kemble) who provided all the facilities we needed, this time with an outside concrete pan.
Ground radar had to be used as in the HAS to ensure the Hilti fixings for the test rig weren’t obstructed by steel reinforcement bars. A Portakabin was provided as a control room along with appropriate power supplies. All other Newquay kit was moved to CWA by Chris Spriggs transport. A race against time because of approaching wintry weather meant a lot of hard work and extended hours to complete preparations. There were some initial operational issues eventually traced to minor but incorrect wiring. Securing the original Rolls-Royce manuals meant we could go back to the original wiring diagram to check each connection section by section. Once identified, the fix proved to be simple to make but time was once again running out. But it was all worth it when the Spey was run up to max mil with full control before the reheat was engaged. It was just about text book perfect so we now know we have a good engine – something unknown after sitting in storage for nearly 30 years since last tested at Pyestock for Thrust SSC.
To watch the Spey engine test, have a look at our videos: