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With increasing emphasis on streamlining the acquisition process, ground-test centers like AEDC are re-evaluating their roles in the development of aerospace systems. Instead of the traditional role of merely providing data from ground-test facilities, the new emphasis challenges the Center to become a team member that provides knowledge for risk management and decision making during the development and operation of an aerospace system. As a key link in the transition from a laboratory or design concept to an operational system, the capabilities of a ground-test center can provide a tremendous opportunity to reduce the time and cost involved in flight vehicle system development. AEDC has aggressively accepted the challenge and has developed an Integrated Test and Evaluation (IT&E) approach to support aerospace system development efforts. This paper focuses on an integrated test and evaluation process embraced by AEDC and the USAF Academy in a joint test and analysis effort of the F109 turbofan engine. This process uses a swirl investigation as a vehicle to exercise and demonstrate the approach.