Flight simulator
The ASTRAEA programme has a new tool in its quest for routine, autonomous unmanned flight in UK airspace: a test rig that supports the rapid prototyping and future development of unmanned air vehicles.
has a new tool to help it achieve its goal of routine, autonomous unmanned flight in
airspace: a test rig that supports the rapid prototyping and future development of unmanned air vehicles (UAVs).
The creation of the testing facility is part of the £32m ASTRAEA programme, which has been investigating the technological and regulatory feasibility of unfettered UAV flight in
Interconnected rigs have been created in a dedicated lab that can be used to test different configurations of UAV components – including fuel, electrical and propulsion systems – either independently or as a complete integrated system.
The rig was designed and manufactured in Warton,
The facility features a number of separate sub-systems, including a propulsion rig that emulates a mock UAV engine and an engine test rig where real engines can be mounted, tested and certified for UAV use.
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