Project Spotlight: MDS and Air France Industries

MDS Aero Support Corporation has been working alongside Air France Industries (the maintenance branch of Air France) for almost fifteen years, delivering top-notch engine testing solutions. Our partnership took flight in 2010 with a groundbreaking project to establish a complete turn-key test facility on a new, undeveloped site. Since then, we have continued to support Air France Industries with onsite field service representatives and have expanded our capabilities to include numerous engine types. Looking back at our joint successes, this story examines the evolution of a state-of-the-art test cell MDS engineered for Air France Industries.

What does it take to build a testing facility for some of the most powerful jet engines in the world? That was the question that Air France Industries and MDS worked through when undertaking this remarkable project. Together, we created an advanced test cell for Air France's engine maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services. This facility can test engines with up to 150,000 pounds of thrust force, including GE-90, CFM 56 suit, and GP7200 engines. We are continuously working to add capability with the current project to introduce LEAP-1A, LEAP-1B and Trent XWB engine test capability to the test cell.?

As we tour the facilities capabilities, we will highlight some of the intricate details that make this test cell a highly modern engineering feat. For one, using MDS’s advanced data acquisition and controls system,?Air France Industries can monitor and control the testing process in real time, with high accuracy and reliability. The system also aids in collecting and examining test data, contributing to improved engine performance and efficiency. As a result, MDS’ DAS helps ensure that Air France engines comply with the highest standards of safety and quality.

Moving forward, one of the key features of the test cell MDS engineered for Air France Industries is the roof-mounted workstations that can handle and support different types of engines. MDS designed and installed five of these workstations, using customized adaptors that fit each engine type. The adaptors also connect the engines to the test cell thrust measurement system, where they are tested and checked thoroughly. By using these workstations, Air France Industries can optimize their testing process and save time on engine preparation between tests.

In addition to the roof-mounted workstations, MDS also provided a cutting-edge thrust measurement system that can measure up to 150,000 pounds of force exerted by the engines. This system is made to withstand the extreme loads and stresses that may happen during normal or abnormal engine operations, such as rotor seizure or blade-off events. The system also has a fail-safe mechanism that stops the engine from detaching from the test cell in case of a failure of the regular attachment fittings. The fail-safe mechanism allows the engine to safely shut down without causing any damage to the test cell or the personnel.

Following this successful project, MDS has expanded the facility capabilities to incorporate five more engine types: GEnX-1B, PW1500G, GE90-115, GE90-94 and CFM56-5B. By offering these additional services, MDS demonstrates its commitment and flexibility to meet Air France Industries’ evolving needs. Moreover, MDS continues to provide onsite field service representatives (FSR) to assist Air France Industries with any technical issues or maintenance requirements.

MDS and Air France Industries have created a world-class testing facility for some of the most powerful jet engines in the world. This facility not only enhances Air France's MRO services, but also contributes to the advancement of aerospace engineering and technology. By partnering with MDS, Air France Industries has gained a competitive edge in the global market and a reputation for excellence and quality.