Test fields for autonomous flying to be established

The Institute of Flight Mechanics and Control (IFR) at the University of Stuttgart is leading a project to establish test fields for energy-efficient, electric and autonomous flying. The institutes of Aircraft Design (IFB), of Aircraft Systems (ILS) and of Navigation (INS) are also involved. The two test sites intended for this purpose are located at the airfields in Lahr in the Black Forest and in Mengen near Sigmaringen. The Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Economics, Labor and Housing is funding the project with EUR 1.3 million. Flight taxis take people to airports, drones deliver packages: Before that becomes a reality, new technologies need to be tested in a suitable test environment. After an extensive site analysis, the preferred locations have now been named. In the following months, details will be planned and the construction of the test field will be coordinated.