Raptor tests for first time in Benefield Anechoic Facility
Article by 1st Lt. Brooke Davis
Public Affairs

July 30, 2004


For the first time ever, an F/A-22 from the Combined Test Force at Edwards sits in the Benefield Anechoic Facility during an electromagnetic compatibility assessment on the aircraft's communications systems. The successful series of tests wrapped up July 16 after testers gathered data to characterize unintentional electromagnetic emissions that are emitted from the aircraft in various operational modes.  (Photo by Derk Blanset)


7/30/04 – EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – An F/A-22 from the Combined Test Force at Edwards was tested at the Benefield Anechoic Facility for the first time, undergoing an electromagnetic compatibility assessment on the aircraft's communications systems that was completed July 16.

The successful tests series began July 6, and testers performed electromagnetic compatibility, or EMC, testing and electromagnetic interference, or EMI, testing along with communications, navigation and identification, or CNI, to assess interference on the aircraft's communications systems.

"This is a great example of using the Air Force's investment in electronic combat integrated test capability to support the Raptor, one of our top priority test programs," said Col. Jon Link, 412th Test Wing Electronic Warfare Directorate director.

Even while the Raptor is running with aircraft systems operational but not transmitting, the systems may generate unintentional radio frequency emissions, or noise, at certain levels that can potentially affect other CNI systems, said George Penick, 412th TW/EW program manager.

"The testing was designed to collect data on these types of emissions. The BAF provides a controlled environment with low background noise to measure unintentional emissions," explained Mr. Penick. "We tested the Raptor's communications systems while in a non-transmitting idle mode, simulating specific aircraft operating states."

EMI testing is a method of characterizing unintentional electromagnetic emissions that emanate from the aircraft in various operational modes, said Dave Mulvey, 412th TW/EW systems engineer.

"The EMI data is used to characterize the compatibility between the many systems on board and access the overall emissions levels," said Mr. Mulvey. "It's important to ensure the unintentional emissions don't interfere with critical flight or communications systems. This was also a good opportunity for the contractor to prove that the system design meets Air Force requirements.

"The large shielded anechoic chamber is ideal for this type of testing because the chamber blocks out radio frequency clutter. The chamber is a 'clean room' to isolate the Raptor's emissions characteristics," continued Mr. Mulvey.

During the July testing, members also assessed data using Electromagnetic Environmental Effects, or EEE. EEE testing includes looking for extraneous emissions, said Mike Garland, 412th TW/EW deputy director.

The Raptor CTF has had an intense flying schedule, and for a while, the CTF was not able to provide an aircraft to undergo BAF testing.

"We got to a point where there was a jet available, so we scheduled a time to roll the aircraft into the anechoic chamber for communications systems testing," said Joe Cudnik, 411th Flight Test Squadron lead integrated avionics engineer. "It was a very positive experience to start off with - there were no surprises with this testing, despite the fact this was the first time a Raptor has ever gone into the BAF."

Both the BAF and the Raptor CTF will continue testing here. The Raptor will continue its fast-paced developmental flight test and evaluation schedule, and the BAF will look forward to testing airframes like the C-17 and F-16.

http://www.edwards.af.mil/news/index.html

Cool, but that would be a bitch if you tripped and fell in there.

No, it wouldn't hurt - those spikes are all made out of foam.

I worked in a facility similar to this some years ago testing automobiles for a major manufacurer.  We also tested satellites and computers.

-Gator

Edited to add that those foam spikes suck up all the sound in the room, so much so that it's eerie.  You could start the engines on that Raptor and stand next to it and not need ear protection.  When we were working in the chamber we would scream at each other from across the room and it would sound like a muffled whisper.

I worked out of the old facility at Pax River for a few weeks back in the early 80's.
It's spooky being inside there when they close the doors.
It's quiet....too quiet.
You can hear someone whisper, yet if they yell it sounds like a whisper.

Quoted: Cool, but that would be a bitch if you tripped and fell in there.

 I am sorry....that is just too funny! God, I love a dry sense of humor!!!