PATUXENT RIVER NAVAL AIR STATION, MD—Patuxent River will soon begin testing on the F414 engine used in the F/A-18 EF Super Hornet. Testing will be conducted in the open-air mobile test cell located on the naval air station beginning May 19, weather depending, and continuing through the end of the month.
This testing will allow the Super Hornet to be serviced aboard Navy vessel USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74). Test cells operating on carriers are being re-designed to handle the new F414 engine which provides propulsion for the Super Hornet. The new test cells will be used for post-maintenance runs aboard the carrier when it is necessary to remove the engines from these aircraft for routine maintenance. These tests at Patuxent River are the final step in certifying the new shipboard test cells for full performance engine runs, and will ensure that forward-deployed aircraft are ready for military action.
The engine runs will require minimum to no wind due to the nature of the testing. Three separate tests will be needed, each lasting approximately 1.5 hours.
Out of consideration for our neighbors, particularly those in Solomon’s Island, the naval air station is taking several steps to reduce the noise impact. These steps include:
· Preventing engine sounds from being amplified by restricting operations when cloud cover is below 1,000 feet above ground level.
· Testing will not be conducted during May 22-26, Memorial Day weekend.
· Monitoring for unacceptable noise levels.
Call 1-866-819-9028, Operational Environmental Planning, for more information.