Initial Production Test of Air Conditioner, 18,000 BTU/HR.

The initial production test of the 18,000 Btu per hour air conditioner, model F-18000-5, was conducted at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland from 17 October 1968 to 16 October 1969, at which time testing was terminated by USATECOM. The tests were performed to determine the ability of the test items to withstand environmental, durability, capacity, refrigerant-system pressure, controls, and radio-frequency interference tests. The results showed five deficiencies. One unit experienced a failure of the compressor during the cooling-capacity test. On a replacement unit, a copper elbow ruptured at the compressor due to excessive vibration of the compressor-motor created by a loose compressor-shaft coupling. Maximum capacity obtained with this unit was 16,500 Btu per hour.