Cold Regions Test Center supports US troops
By Greg Reed, Contributing Technical Editor -- Test & Measurement World, 6/1/2006
Since 1949, the US Army has maintained the Cold Regions Test Center in Delta Junction, AK. I recently asked the technical director, Jeffrey Lipscomb, to describe the CRTC's role in testing vehicles and aircraft in preparation for theaters of engagement.
Q: What is the central purpose of the US Army Cold Regions Test Center?
A: To plan, conduct, and report the results of cold-weather natural-environment testing of anything the US military is building or buying that will or may be used in a potential cold-weather climate.
Q: Besides providing military vehicle testing support, does the center also serve commercial vehicles?
A: We have capacity and capabilities that are not always 100% utilized. Those facilities and our cold-weather expertise are available to commercial customers on a noncompetitive contract basis.
Q: What specific capabilities does the center provide?
A: For vehicle testing, we are very proud of our one-year-old Mobility Test Complex. This facility includes a 3.2-mile, double-lane paved oval; an 800x1000-ft paved lateral acceleration pad; a 200x1000-ft skid pad; on-site fuel; and paved and gravel slopes of 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, and 60% grade. Also available for customer use are a 5000-ft2 maintenance and storage building, along with a 4900-ft2 office building on site with full voice and data connectivity for up to 24 workstations.
We also have in-house snow- and ice-making capability to tailor the track, slopes, and pads to any need. While we exist primarily for winter testing, these facilities are maintained and available year-round, and the summers in Alaska are wonderful! With daily highs from the mid-60s to low-90s (°F), and 24 hours of light, the summer is an ideal time to get a lot done in a temperate climate.
Q: Is there provision for aerospace/aviation testing?
A: Absolutely. Besides large ranges and no encroachment, we have controlled-use airspace from surface to 100,000 ft and an Army airfield capable of handling any aircraft in the Air Force inventory. While CRTC does not have in-house expertise in commercial aircraft testing, we maintain a close working relationship with Alaska Aerofuel, a corporation based in Fairbanks that specializes in the support of aviation testing.
Q: How does CRTC testing support the combat readiness of troops in the field?
A: CRTC is one of nine test centers operating under the aegis of the Developmental Test Command, which in turn is part of the Army Test and Evaluation Command. Together, we ensure that all Army clothing, equipment, weapons systems, and vehicles will perform as required to allow America's soldiers to accomplish their missions safely and effectively. CRTC, of course, is the center of expertise in cold-weather operations testing in the natural environment to enhance performance and reliability on the cold-weather battlefield or training ground.
Q: The CRTC has been operating since 1949. Are there established and proven "rules of the road" that uniformly apply to all combat zones?
A: There are many, but remember that cold weather is our forte, so we pretty much concentrate on that when discussing "rules." There is one constant, though, that does apply universally: Water freezes at 32ºF.
