ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --
After receiving several upgrades and undergoing renovations, Ellsworth's jet engine test cell was back online Oct. 17, allowing maintainers to again troubleshoot B-1 bomber engines on base.
New insulation, doors and a new fuel tank were among the upgrades completed by a government contracted company to modernize the facility, costing an estimated $850,000.
"The fuel tank was outdated, and no longer met Environmental Protection Agency and National Fire Protection Agency guidelines and standards," said Tech. Sgt. Ashley Youngblood, 28th Maintenance Squadron assistant propulsion flight chief. "The test cell was closed for more than a year and a half until the renovations, which included the new tank and fuel lines, were installed."
During the renovation down time, Ellsworth sent aircraft engines to the depot at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., for maintenance.
After months of repairs and renovations, the test cell was ready for maintenance Airmen to perform correlation engine runs four times each day for three days to have it certified by test cell specialists from Tinker.
The test cell increases and streamlines the base's ability to produce expeditionary combat power anywhere on the globe, said 1st Lt. Seth Cross, 28th MXS maintenance operations officer.
It is also a considerable advancement to augmenting the base (WRE) war ready engine level here at Ellsworth, added Youngblood.
"Our main goal for this test cell is to be able to sustain our own engines along with our readiness level," Youngblood said. "Being able to troubleshoot the engines here saves us a lot of valuable time and money."
Ellsworth maintenance professionals use a six-step process to test B-1 engines which consists of engine removal, an inspection to determine the scope of maintenance required, a maintenance phase, a pre-inspection, a performance test and a final inspection.
"It is crucial to follow all the steps in the Engine Flow Process in accordance with the [maintenance] technical orders," Cross said. "This is for the absolute safety of our Airmen and our assets."
Cross added that having these renovations completed and the test cell fully operational allows Ellsworth to test, repair and produce spare engines on base, ultimately increasing mission effectiveness.