Engine & Systems Testbed
Built to convert pressurized hot-fire data into certification artifacts—fast. Engines first, then mid–long range passenger programs. We run compressed gaseous H₂ (350–700 bar)—no cryogenics—to accelerate iteration.
Why Liberia (LIR)?
Cooperative authorities, stable climate, logistics access, and airport-adjacent sites enable faster cycles from design to data—and earlier certification engagement.
Facilities & Capabilities
Pressurized hot-fire with optical access, staged mixing, ignition/ blowout mapping.
NOx analyzers, sampling lines, calibration gases; temperature/pressure grids for maps.
High-speed acquisition, purge & interlock logic, health monitoring and transient capture.
Type-IV bundles, regulation to setpoints, PRD validation, ventilation paths, detection.
Blast/deflection design, alarm logic, e-stops, muster zones, procedures & drills.
Automated plots, run sheets, and versioned artifacts → certification packs.
Test Flow at LIR
- 1Fuel Receipt: Gaseous H₂ arrives to storage yard; quality & pressure checks.
- 2Regulation & Purge: Manifolds, check valves, and regulators align to setpoints; line purge & leak checks.
- 3Hot-Fire: Ignition, stability sweeps, and φ/load grids for emissions maps.
- 4Data & Artifacts: Automated plots, run summaries, and MoC-ready attachments.
Layout emphasizes safe flow paths, ventilation, and fast reconfiguration between test articles.
Safety & Compliance
We align to ARP4754A/4761, DO-160, and airport norms; advisory AI is kept out of safety-critical paths.
Logistics & Supply Interfaces
- Inbound H₂: Supplier MoUs; receipt QA, pressure checks, and buffer strategies.
- Trucking & Yard: Secure access, turn radius, staging & marshalling zones.
- Power & Utilities: Stable site power with backup, compressed air, cooling water.
- Waste & Environmental: Handling procedures and local compliance alignment.
Partner & Approval Lanes
- • Test permits and site safety reviews with local authorities
- • Airport coordination for fueling bay rehearsals & turnarounds
- • DOA/ODA engagement for flight testbed readiness
Testbed KPIs
Operational metrics guiding cadence and quality.
Testbed Milestones
Site prep, utilities, permits, safety plans
Cold-flow + ignition at rig; interlocks validated
Pressurized hot-fire; NOx & stability map v1
Ops rehearsals: PRD, ventilation, turnaround
FAQs
Do you use liquid hydrogen?
No—our near-term program uses compressed gaseous H₂ (350–700 bar) to avoid cryogenic complexity and move faster on emissions, safety, and certification.
How are tests authorized?
Through site safety plans, authority reviews, and airport coordination. Evidence and procedures are versioned for audits.
What about noise and environmental controls?
Deflection, muffling strategies, and monitoring plans are part of the testbed design; environmental compliance is tracked with artifacts.
How does this lead to passenger aircraft?
Engine evidence (NOx, stability, safety) and airport-ops rehearsal feed into core runs, flight testbeds, and global certification mapping for mid–long range missions.
Engines first. Certification from day one.
Join partners advancing combustor, storage & delivery, and airport operations at LIR.