Collins Aerospace has opened an $18 million wind tunnel test facility for its Ram Air Turbine at Electric Power Systems in Rockford, Illinois. According to Collins with this fully automated technology, enhanced quality, and real-time data analytics, the new wind tunnel will streamline the Ram Air Turbine testing and certification process for Collins’ airframer customers.
Eric Cunningham, vice president, Electric Power Systems for Collins Aerospace said: “Collins’ Ram Air Turbines have helped save more than 2,400 lives over the past five decades. Our new wind tunnel will help ensure we continue to meet our customers’ delivery expectations for this lifesaving product in the most efficient manner while providing our employees with the most modern and ergonomic setup available. This $18 million investment embodies our long-term commitment to our Rockford facility and our Rockford community.”
The Ram Air Turbine is designed to act as the aircraft’s emergency power system. If an aircraft loses power in flight, Collins’ Ram Air Turbine deploys from the wing or fuselage, then by rotating its small turbine, the system extracts sufficient power from the airstream to allow the pilot to land the aircraft safely.