Turbine Powered Simulators (TPS) are used on aircraft models in wind tunnel tests to establish flow conditions which represent the interactions between the airframe and the engine. This allows the engineers to better predict installed performance features that cannot be predicted from isolated tests on each component separately. This test facility is used to perform the aerodynamic calibration of the TPS to determine the exact relationship between the pressure used to drive the turbine, mass flow and thrust. Once calibrated, the TPS forces are reproduced by setting the proper pressure and flow conditions.

This picture shows a TPS ready for calibration. The model is installed on a three component balance for measuring the axial force, normal force and pitching moment. It can be operated in both forward and reverse thrust modes. Low Mach numbers(takeoff) are simulated by exhausting the flow to atmosphere. High Mach numbers (cruise) are calibrated statically by simulating the inlet ram effect and exhaust altitude using the test cabin to match the engine pressure ratios (EPR).