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To fully understand why personnel who worked on the ATF3 program were so dedicated, loyal, and passionate about their product, you must first have knowledge of the program itself, the engine design, background of the personnel, and the Site B working environment.
From the outset GARRETT (AiResearch Manufacturing Company of California) designed the ATF3 Engine Program to assure success and customer acceptance. Garrett left nothing to chance, designing and building a new state-of-the-art 100,000 square foot jet engine development and test facility in Torrance CA. The Site B facility was built and staffed to be self-sufficient, locating all personnel under one roof. The close proximity of personnel with diverse backgrounds promoted the exchange of ideas and created an excellent atmosphere for OJT (on-the-job-training). The Site B staff could accomplish literally all aspects of the ATF3 engine development program with the exception proprietary processes and manufacturing large quantities of engine hardware. Everything in the facility was designed and for the most part built on site by Site B personnel, with the exception of the empty building and engine thrust stands.
Garrett assembled a multi-disciplined ATF3 engine development team, by recruiting from aviation communities worldwide. They hired the most talented and experienced applicants they could find, offering unmatched wages, benefit, and moving packages to assure qualified individuals would accept their offers.
Garrett encouraged interaction and cooperation between all ATF3 personnel, to minimize time consuming and costly mistakes. Honest mistakes did not result in disciplinary actions. They were treated as learning and training experiences, broadening individual skills and confidence in themselves and their co-workers. This eliminated the "fear of reprisal factor" resulting in a working environment where employees focused on the job at hand and helping each other solve problems and accomplish tasks with enthusiasm. The overall attitude at Site B was; if it can be done we can do it. We have the facility, the personnel, the talent and the wherewithal to accomplish any task.
Capabilities of the Site B facility did not escape notice by other technical and aerospace companies for long. The facility was soon recognized for its technical excellence, accepting work "job shop style" and providing specialized services. Site B work scope expanded to include advanced technology demonstrator programs, advanced hybrid automotive programs, state-of-the-art trains and boats, energy-storage-flywheels, and instantaneous-power-supply's to name a few. Local companies also recognized Site B's unique ability to design parts and tooling, manufacture them, create test plans and test equipment, conduct testing and document test results, inspect post test hardware and provide detailed written reports, all under one roof from a single request. Providing these unique services had the added benefit of expanding Site B facility capabilities. In the late 1990s the facility was abandoned, sold, and destroyed.
ATF3 ENGINE DESIGN CONCEPT
The ATF3 engine was designed to have a power to weight ratio of 5:1, and TSFC
(thrust specific fuel consumption) of 0.40 LboHr/LBF, unheard of for turbofan
engines in the under 5000 pound thrust class. When compared to competitors
products, the ATF3 engine offered a 25-90% increase in thrust allowing increased
aircraft payloads, shorter runway takeoff and landing requirements, direct
climb to cruise altitudes, and non-stop coast-to-coast range. The ATF3s 30-60%
reduction in fuel consumption resulted in increased aircraft payloads with
non-stop coast-to-coast range in many aircraft applications. The powerful
and efficient ATF3 engine's low fuel consumption substantially reduced aircraft
operating cost, a major component in aircraft affordability.
SITE B FACILITY DESCRIPTION
ATF3 FACILITY STAFFING
Recruiting Program 1966 - 1969
Garrett formed a core team then launched an all-out drive searching
out and recruiting the most talented personnel they could find.
Ø Top talent within AiResearch Manufacturing Company of California
were the first on board.
Ø Key personnel from other Garrett Divisions were selected. next
Ø Garrett then went outside the company placing recruiting ads in newspapers
worldwide.
To fill voids in staffing requirements, Garrett began recruiting
experienced personnel from many major Aerospace Companies around the world,
including the following.
--- Aerojet General
--- Bendix Controls, IN & FL
--- Boeing, WA
--- General Electric, Evendale, OH & Ontario, CA
--- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, FL
--- Marquardt, CA
--- McDonald Douglas, CA
--- North American Aviation, CA
--- Pratt & Whitney Aircraft, Hartford, CN & West Palm Beach, FL
--- Rolls Royce England & Canada
--- Numerous other aerospace suppliers
SITE "B" STAFF and PERSONNEL included, but
was not limited to the following
Ø Engineering Personnel
--- Aircraft Installations
--- Aircraft Engine Design
§ Aerodynamic
§ Mechanical
§ Rotating parts
§ Structures
--- Performance Specialists
--- Fuel Controls and Control Systems Specialists
--- Instrumentation Specialists, all Disciplines
--- Lubrication, Components and Systems Specialists
--- Metallurgists
--- Seals, Stationary, Carbon Face, and Lip Seal Specialists
Ø Non- Engineering Personnel
--- Managers
--- Administrators
--- Secretarial staff
--- Technicians
§ Assembly
--- Engine Assembly
--- Fuel Control (Components and Systems)
--- Lubrication (Components and Systems)
§ Balance (Rotation Hardware)
§ Spin-Pit
§ Test personnel
--- Engine Test, (Development, Production, and Overhaul)
--- Fuel Control (Components and Systems)
--- Lubrication (Components and Systems)
§ Inspectors
--- Dimensional
--- Floor Inspectors
--- Fluorescent Penetrant and Dye-check
--- Magna-flux
--- Quality Assurance
§ Instrumentation Technicians
--- Mechanical, Electrical and Pneumatic
--- Ruby Laser holography, (for failure analysis)
--- Strain-gage (with Stress-coat and Thermal Paint Capabilities)
§ Data acquisition
--- Computer Room Operators, (Equipment Configuration & Data Acquisition)
--- Test Cell Technicians, (Data Acquisition and Test Support)
§ Parts Cleaning Specialist
§ Tool Crib
--- Machinist
§ General Machinist
§ Tool and Die Makers
--- Welders
Planners of the ATF3 program succeeded in creating a very enjoyable working environment and equipped it with every imaginable piece support equipment. If you needed it, you could find it in the Site B facility, or 100 yards away in the Garrett Western Avenue facility. The ATF3 program was the best job I ever had, and nothing I have experienced before or after has impacted my professional life more. It holds a special place in the hearts of those individuals fortunate to work have worked on the ATF3 program and at Site B.
- John C. Evans
Created 3/8/2002 Rev. A 3/9/2002, Rev. B 3/11/2001, Rev.
C 3/14/2001