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PYESTOCK
TESTING FACILITY FOR GAS TURBINES
The site at Pyestock began to be developed in the 1930s as war seemed inevitable. It was a top secret facility into the research and design of jet engines, which ensured it's importance to Britain well into the Cold War. The engines for the V-Bomber force (Britain's NATO declared nuclear deterrent until attack submarines claimed the role) were tested here, along with Harrier and Tornado engines. As well as cutting edge technology for the military (such as VTOL for the Harrier), the supersonic engines for Concorde were tested at this facility, reaching up to an amazing Mach 2. The Royal Navy also had her gas turbines rigorously tested at Pyestock. The advent of more powerful computers made the need for physical testing facilities such as Pyestock redundant and the site is now abandoned.
Location: Pyestock, Surrey
Condition: Poor
Date Of Visit: N/A
Plan: N/A
Video: N/A
More Info: Owned by the MOD
A view of Cell 3 West where an engine was placed in the frame to measure thrust.
PYESTOCK TESTING FACILITY FOR GAS TURBINES
The Air House which was built to blow air at supersonic speeds through a test cell.
Another view of the Air House.
The plant house was intended for combustion and aerodynamic experimentation.
The plant house.
The plant house.
The plant house.
Inside Cell 3.
Inside Cell 3.
More views in Pyestock.
More views in Pyestock.
More views in Pyestock.