This paper describes a new modular experimental facility that was purpose-built to investigateflow interactions between the combustor and first stage nozzle guide vanes (NGVs)of heavy duty power generation gas turbines with multiple can combustors. The first stageturbine NGV is subjected to the highest thermal loads of all turbine components andtherefore consumes a proportionally large amount of cooling air that contributes detrimentallyto the stage and cycle efficiency. It has become necessary to devise novel coolingconcepts that can substantially reduce the coolant air requirement but still allow theturbine to maintain its aerothermal performance. The present work aims to aid this objectiveby the design and commissioning of a high-speed linear cascade, which consists oftwo can combustor transition ducts and four first stage NGVs. This is a modular nonreactiveair test platform with engine realistic geometries (gas path and near gas path), coolingsystem, and boundary conditions (inlet swirl, turbulence level, and boundary layer).The paper presents the various design aspects of the high pressure (HP) blow down typefacility, and the initial results from a wide range of aerodynamic and heat transfermeasurements under highly engine realistic conditions.