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National Experimental Test Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems
A look into the future: The National Experimental Test Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems in Cochstedt
Paving the way for a new research network
In order to position Germany as a location for the future of unmanned aviation the German Aerospace Center is intensifying research in this area. The National Test Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems at Magdeburg-Cochstedt Airport, which opened in 2021, currently establishes a highly innovative research network for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) that is unique in Europe.
While the global testing of UAS was limited to a manageable number of tests in the past, the rapid growth of the entire industry has led to a significant increase in the number of system tests in order to enable holistic technology development. This results in a need for new testing procedures and opportunities that do not yet exist in the required form. In the growing network of future test field activities, the National Test Center plays an integrative role as a trailblazer for future research and development of new UAS technologies at DLR and for external partners.
More complexity requires better collaboration
Overview of DLR facilities where UAS research is conducted
Credit:
DLR
The use of UAS on a commercial scale and their joint operation in airspace with manned aircraft poses new challenges for researchers, manufacturers, users and legislators alike. In addition to the purely technical aspects, the integration of UAS into airspace also requires complex legal and procedural issues to be analysed, redefined and regulated. Due to the complexity of these issues, a separate consideration of the subsystems (vehicle separate from flight guidance, separate from legal regulations) is no longer sufficient.
Instead, they must be considered, tested, validated and certified as a whole. As neither manufacturers, users nor legislators can analyse and solve all issues on their own, the involvement and support of large-scale research as a link in both technical and regulatory issues is becoming increasingly important.
Real-world laboratory for the creation of extensive test options
In order to create further testing opportunities for research and industry as well as for regulatory authorities and processes, a commercial airport will continue to operate in Cochstedt in parallel with the establishment of a test infrastructure for UAS. This emerging real-world laboratory will enable the necessary skills and expertise to be pooled and valuable findings to be gathered for future applications.
Contact
Jean Daniel Sülberg
Director
National Experimental Test Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Harzstraße 1, 39444 Hecklingen
Germany