Indoor flight tests of unmanned aerial vehicles

These tests facilitate the operational validation of innovative advanced control algorithms, in safe conditions for people and aerial vehicles, in order to make significant advances and gain competitive advantages in the vehicle dynamics of new drone and UAV architectures. This paves the way for testing potentially dangerous, complex in-flight dynamics, thanks to the safety conditions provided by the infrastructure.

It makes it possible to test drones in adverse weather conditions using the largest wind profile generator in Spain and the second largest in Europe. It simulates wind flows through programmable fans, ensuring a safe testing environment.

These tests could help at every stage of UAV system development, from the conceptualisation of the aerial vehicle for bespoke applications, through to design, calculations and simulations (structural, thermal, CFD, noise), the modelling and simulation of the flight control algorithm, software implementation, the sizing and integration of other systems (propulsion, avionics, C2 links, mission computer, communications, etc.), and also in the preparation of risk analysis studies (SORA), providing information on the aerial vehicle and helping to obtain experimental evidence to speed up and facilitate the granting of outdoor flight permits, as well as practical experience in operating the aerial vehicles.

The IAM Lab’s spacious, obstacle-free area is suitable for carrying out indoor flight tests on unmanned aerial vehicles of various architectures, size and weight.

Tests can be carried out on small and medium-sized drones at the Flying Robots Lab, a 20 m x 20 m facility with a ceiling height of 10 m, which is equipped with a high-precision vision-based positioning system, made up of 30 Optitrack® cameras, for use in the absence of satellite positioning, including a control station and a ground control station for the drones. The service makes it possible to run tests under adverse weather conditions by installing a programmable WindShape® wind profile generator up to speeds of 16 m/s.

There is also a specially adapted area for carrying out safe indoor flight tests with tethered eVTOL aircraft with a maximum take-off mass (MTOM) of up to 1,000 kg, the propulsion of which can be powered by external sources providing up to 165 kW at 400/800 V, and which features a soundproofed, protected control and operations cabin.

Our service makes it possible to test and validate various aspects relating to unmanned aerial vehicles under very safe laboratory conditions, by carrying out continuous indoor flight tests, so as to speed up progress at all stages of the development of new UAV concepts and reduce the need for outdoor flights and dependence on weather and visibility conditions. This also makes it easier to carry out tests without having to obtain the outdoor flight permits required by aviation authorities, such as AESA in Spain.

Eliminating or reducing outdoor flights helps to minimise the additional work required, such as:

• Obtaining the outdoor flight permits required by aviation authorities, such as AESA in Spain.
• Searching for suitable airfields.
• Reducing the cost of certain insurance and rentals.
• Reducing the number of drone pilot licences, which are not required in indoor conditions.
• In the case of small drones, reducing the possibility that outdoor conditions (wind, etc.) make it difficult to obtain adequate results from experimental testing.

This service provides companies and partners that require it with with pioneering, state-of-the-art equipment for testing the components and systems of unmanned aerial vehicles in the innovative air mobility sector. TECNALIA offers:

• A comprehensive service: from the moment you contact TECNALIA until the delivery of results, which covers all stages of the development and validation of UAV systems.
• Advice at all stages of development. You will be able to agree product’s traceability with our engineers.
• Explanation of and advice on results: We provide a detailed breakdown and explanation of your results so that you can get a complete overview of the test carried out.