Propulsion Test Cell Facility
Parent Body: Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA), Bincleaves, Newton Road, Weymouth, Dorset

Principal Functions
Provision of a dry land, safe testing environment for potentially explosive torpedo engine sections.

Subsidiary Functions
The provision of a safe testing environment for other hazardous processes.

General Details
The Test Cells are located at the DERA establishment at Bincleaves, Weymouth, Dorset on the south coast of England, approximately 140 miles to the south west of London. The Test Cell complex comprises a total of five separate cells of different sizes and function. Currently, only Cell 1 is used for torpedo engine testing. The total area covered by the complex is 200m² (approximately 40,000 ft²). This includes the external blast wall, flare stack and cell office.

Specification
The complex comprises of five test cells and a control room in which the testing of boilers, engines, general plant and fuelling systems for underwater weapons may be carried out. Currently, only one cell is fully instrumented to measure flow rates, pressures, temperatures, power, speed, torque etc., most of which is displayed in real time in the control room. Remote video monitoring is available and the cells can deal with various hazardous materials including Otto Fuel and molten lithium. Normally customers are required to provide their own special instrumentation and recording equipment to suit the needs of their experiments.

Special Features
Scientific staff and workshops staff are available to support the facility, and DERA resources at other sites can be used.

Future Plans
The trials team size is typically eight and would be a combination of graduate scientists or engineers and suitably qualified technicians/mechanics. All staff normally have a minimum of one years trials experience with this facility, but team leaders and the Test Cell Controller will have typically six years experience.

Availability
The facility is available to other bodies in both the private and public sector. There are no restrictions on the type of body that can apply to use the facility. No advance notice is necessary for requesting time on the facility. Time is allocated by the day.

Charging Basis
Charging rates are subject to negotiation, there is a possibility of negotiating an exchange agreement.

Site Access
The site has ready access for vehicles and local accommodation is available for the hirer’s staff.

Contact Information
Mr J Wade
DERA Bincleaves
Newton Road
Weymouth
DT4 8UR
Telephone:  01305 764530/764510 Fax:  01305 764511