MTU tests thrust vector control system in altitude test facility

Earlier this month MTU Munchen ran the first altitude tests of a demonstrator engine fitted with a thrust vector control system at Stuttgart Technical University's altitude test facility. The tests covered all major points along a typical Eurofighter mission with flight speeds up to Mach 1.8 at altitudes above 30,000 feet, including supercruise and reheat.

The host engine for the nozzle, which could be vectored through 20 degrees in both pitch and yaw, was an EJ200 prototype. The test facility is the only of its kind in Germany and its capacity compares with the best in the industry for such type of test runs.

The tests on the thrust vector controllers began in August 1998 with sea level static tests. the When this 20-hour test series has been successfully completed, the German Ministry of Defence and the Luftwaffe will evaluate results to decide if flight testing should start.

The thrust vector programme is a joint MTU-ITP (Spain) technology effort, with the Spanish partner being responsible for the entire nozzle hardware, including hydraulics and actuating system, and MTU for the sophisticated control.

The vector control computer, developed from scratch, provides the crucial interface between the engine and the aircraft's onboard computer. It alone permits the full benefit to be reaped of the advantages provided by thrust vectoring.

REF XQQEE XQQAR