Blast Deflectors (BDI) recently completed construction of a ground run-up enclosure at Vancouver International Airport, Canada. The facility, which will be used primarily for the testing of turboprop aircraft is the first of its kind in Canada.
This facility, commonly referred to as a ground run-up enclosure or GRE is used for running aircraft engines at high power settings for extended durations. The purpose of the facility is to minimise the acoustic footprint of engine tests in the nearby community of Richmond, British Columbia. The 67mx80m facility consists of 250t of steel and is equipped with more than 2,000 Noise Blotter™ acoustic panels, which according to Don Bergin of BDI are designed specifically for the low frequency sound produced by aircraft engines.
Though the primary aircraft types to use the facility will be turboprop powered, the GRE can also accommodate jet aircraft as large as a B757.
BDI’s Don Bergin said: "The facility was built near YVR’s South Terminal, which is used mainly by small turboprop aircraft such as the Beech 1900, Q400, Otters, etc."
The GRE will also double as a deicing facility during winter months, so it features a glycol capture unit. According to Bergin, this is the first GRE that doubles as a deicing facility.
BDI has built more than 20 GREs around the world. Other recent projects include facilities in Bangkok, Bogotá, Zurich and St. Louis.
The company also designs and supplies jet blast deflectors for various applications. Recent jet blast deflector projects include installations at two Boeing facilities (Renton and Boeing Field), San Diego, Abu Dhabi and Chicago O’Hare.