Repair facility adds new engine Published Oct. 18, 2010 By Maj. Nancie Margetis 183d Public Affairs ABRAHAM LINCOLN CAPITAL AIRPORT, Springfield -- Last month the unit was awarded the contract to obtain a second engine test cell to accommodate additional engine testing here. The unit currently provides maintenance on the General Electric F110 Turbo Fan Engines that power the F-16 C/D block 30 and 40 aircraft. The centralized repair facility, nicknamed the Capital repair facility, mainly support Air National Guard units that fly this series aircraft and also units that go through United States Air Forces Europe (USAFE) for repair that are performing duty in the area of responsibility (AOR). The maintenance ranges from complete overhauls to unscheduled maintenance that might occur as a result of leaks, vibrations, foreign object damage (FOD) and performance problems. Recently the centralized repair facility was tasked to provide support to the Duluth Minn. unit for their new BLK 50 F-16 C/Ds, which are powered by the F-110-GE-129 engine. Besides the Duluth unit, the unit will be able to provide assistance to USAFE, Spangdahlem, Germany, or any other future units that will be equipped with this engine version. The major differences between the two engines is for the -129 engine means better performance, longer inspection cycles, computer software and better maintenance capabilities. Testing the new engines will significantly impact the mission of the centralized repair facility. The F110-GE-100 and the F110-GE-129 engines look very similar, however their performance standards are different and the current test cell was only capable of testing the -100 engine. This means the centralized repair facility at the 183rd will be the second test facility in the USAF and the only one located in the continental United States. Master Sgt. Richard Shanner, the Aerospace Propulsion Superintendent (Interim) said this about what this means for the unit, "We are expanding our horizons, keeping every option open for future growth. Keeping up with the newer technologies that help us support the warfighter." He also states that the unit members are excited about the new engine. "It proves to them that their efforts in the -100 program have been noticed and that they are now entrusted to support the needs of newer weapons systems power plants and to keep their skill level up to accept even newer and future systems," Shanner said. He sums it up by adding, "The men and women of Capital centralized repair facility are very professional and proud of their commitment, product and their contribution to the units taking the war back to the doorstep of aggression."