Water Ingestion Trials

All new passenger aircraft are required to demonstrate the ability to operate safely from flooded runways. A facility at Cranfield consists of a specially constructed flat area on the instrumented 03/21 runway. The artificial ponds created are about 70 metres long and up to 11.5 metres wide. The area can be flooded to simulate standing water, at depths of up to 50mm; depths in the region of 20mm are frequently used. Aircraft are run through the pond at different speeds with various configurations of flap setting to ensure that water spray does not enter the engines and cause unacceptable power loss. It is also possible to conduct this test with aircraft landing in the pond.

Water ingestion trials at Cranfield conform to the requirements of JAR25 and FAA Advisory Circular 20-124.

For further information, please contact us on +44 (0) 1234 754542 or send an email.