The Environmental Test Lab at Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division Lakehurst recently added to its current capabilities by upgrading its Blowing Rain Test Apparatus (BRTA), thanks to Naval Innovative Science & Engineering (NISE) Program funding.

This upgrade significantly enhances and expands the lab's current capabilities, opening up new possibilities for testing and better supporting the warfighter.  

The lab’s previous BRTA engine was powerful enough to perform a wide range of tests. However, the legacy system was unable to maintain consistent windspeeds over 100 MPH, which are required for some tests.  

With the stronger engine, lab personnel have dubbed the new equipment “Big BRTA."  

“Big BRTA can now easily reach air speeds over 100 mph and meet the capabilities to test fully hardened electronic equipment,” said acting lab manager Chris Snyder. “In addition to added capability, Big BRTA brings increased reliability and extended service life.”