FADA-CATEC has begun in recent weeks the construction of the new ATLAS Center for Experimental Flight, the first installations of Spain dedicated entirely to the testing of new technologies and UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) or light UAV's (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles). The project has an execution period of eight months, so it will be operational by the end of this year.
This is a strategic initiative for FADA-CATEC and the Andalusian aerospace sector in general because it will provide the national and international aviation community with the first permanent scientific-technological installation to safely perform trials, simulations and validation of technologies applicable to UAV's and air traffic management (ATM). The aim is that the developing companies, manufacturers and operators of UAV's, regulators, government agencies, and universities and research centers have infrastructures and an appropriate airspace to perform R & D with this type of aircraft.
The project was visited today by the Minister of Economy, Innovation, Science and Employment of the Government of Andalusia, Antonio Avila, accompanied by other authorities such as the President of the Provintial Gobernment of Jaén, Francisco Reyes, the Mayor of Villacarillo Juan Gilabert; the delegate of the Regional Ministry of Economy in Jaen, Manuel Gabriel Pérez Marín, and the managing director of ATLAS, Anastasio Sanchez.
The ATLAS center is located in the region of Herrera, in the municipality of Villacarrillo (Jaén), and it will have an aerodrome equipped with a main runway of 800 meters in length, a building for planning and monitoring missions and other services (offices, etc..) and several independent hangars for UAVs, as well as a reserve of segregated airspace with an area of about 1,000 km2. The main activities will be study how to improve the ability of tactical and light UAV's, and test its effectiveness in the air.
This is a strategic initiative for FADA-CATEC and the Andalusian aerospace sector in general because it will provide the national and international aviation community with the first permanent scientific-technological installation to safely perform trials, simulations and validation of technologies applicable to UAV's and air traffic management (ATM). The aim is that the developing companies, manufacturers and operators of UAV's, regulators, government agencies, and universities and research centers have infrastructures and an appropriate airspace to perform R & D with this type of aircraft.
The project was visited today by the Minister of Economy, Innovation, Science and Employment of the Government of Andalusia, Antonio Avila, accompanied by other authorities such as the President of the Provintial Gobernment of Jaén, Francisco Reyes, the Mayor of Villacarillo Juan Gilabert; the delegate of the Regional Ministry of Economy in Jaen, Manuel Gabriel Pérez Marín, and the managing director of ATLAS, Anastasio Sanchez.
The ATLAS center is located in the region of Herrera, in the municipality of Villacarrillo (Jaén), and it will have an aerodrome equipped with a main runway of 800 meters in length, a building for planning and monitoring missions and other services (offices, etc..) and several independent hangars for UAVs, as well as a reserve of segregated airspace with an area of about 1,000 km2. The main activities will be study how to improve the ability of tactical and light UAV's, and test its effectiveness in the air.
ATLAS building began with the works associated with land and earthworks and surface preparation for enabling runways. The project has an investment of 4.2 million of euros, cofinanced by the FEDER Operational Programme of Andalusia 2007-2013.
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