Officially Opens Second Outdoor Jet Engine Test Stand At NASA Stennis Space Center

A second outdoor jet engine test stand, representing an investment of $50 million, has been opened at the Rolls-Royce Outdoor Jet Engine Test Facility at NASA John C. Stennis Space Center in Hancock County, MS.

Brent Christensen, Executive Director of the Mississippi Development Authority joined local and state officials, and Rolls-Royce North America President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. James M. Guyette to mark the official opening of the second test stand. “Our decision to first build, and now expand, the Rolls-Royce Outdoor Jet Engine Test Stand here at Stennis embraces the spirit of partnership with the State of Mississippi. This relationship continues to grow, which is a direct result of a very positive public-private partnership.” said James M. Guyette, President and CEO of Rolls-Royce North America. “Rolls-Royce is investing in America because our collective innovation, competitiveness and cooperative spirit – and we find the State of Mississippi is the perfect location to expand our operations.”

The new jet engine test stand will play a key role in the company’s development of next generation technology that will make important advancements in improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. The site conducts jet engine testing -- including noise, crosswind, endurance and other tests – on the latest and most sophisticated Rolls-Royce civil aircraft engines – including the Trent 1000 that powers the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the Trent XWB that powers the Airbus A350 XWB.

This expansion will result in 35 new, high-tech positions for the State of Mississippi when fully operational. “It is always a great testament to the strength of our state’s business climate and the quality of our workforce when an existing business chooses to expand in Mississippi,” Brent Christensen, Executive Director of the Mississippi Development Authority said. “Rolls-Royce selected the Stennis Space Center in Hancock County as the site of its first engine test stand located outside the United Kingdom, and I am proud the company has again looked to Mississippi as a prime location for the testing of their highly sophisticated jet engines.”

Rolls-Royce North America first opened its Outdoor Jet Engine Testing Facility at Stennis Space Center in 2007. The company employs over 150 people in the state at this facility and Rolls-Royce Marine Propeller and Waterjet Foundry in Pascagoula, where it machines, manufactures, tests, and repairs propellers for the US Navy and Coast Guard. In Meridian, Mississippi the company also operates a defense regional field office at the Naval Air Station.

(Image provided by Rolls-Royce)

FMI: www.rolls-royce.com, www.nasa.gov