Overview
The Test Center for Automated Flight and Autonomous Systems (TAFAS) at the Smart Mobility Lab offers a research infrastructure that is unique in Europe. From the multifunctional flight hall to EMC and climate tests to U-Space integration and Vertiport, practical conditions are created here for the safe research and testing of UAVs and eVTOLs.
Infrastructure areas
TAFAS combines different test environments under one roof - from indoor flight hall and climate room to EMC absorber room, outdoor test area and vertiport. This infrastructure forms the basis for practical experiments, validation and certification of UAVs and eVTOLs.
Infrastructure areas
Multifunctional test hall
The flight hall (100 × 100 × 35 m) offers test volume for UAVs with a wingspan of up to 19 m. An indoor localization system enables precise 3D flight paths, supplemented by a digital twin and modular obstacle courses for path planning or conflict detection. A mobile wind shaper simulates wind fields, while safety features such as ground restraints ensure reliable tests.
EMC anechoic chamber
The EMC anechoic chamber (20 × 20 × 8 m) enables safe testing of the electromagnetic compatibility of UAVs and eVTOLs. Communication systems in UHF/VHF/HF can be tested, as can jamming and spoofing scenarios for recovery algorithms. C2 systems can also be validated for redundancy and emergency responses.
Wind & weather tests
The weather and climate room (20 × 20 × 10 m) simulates realistic to extreme environmental conditions. Wind shapers, measurement technology and a wind tunnel front end allow precise investigation of currents, urban wind fields and infrastructure effects. The system also generates rain, fog and lighting effects - ideal for sensor technology, performance and safety tests.
Outdoor area with Vertiport
The outdoor test area (400 × 200 m) offers a practical addition to the indoor tests. A lit vertiport allows realistic take-off and landing procedures, supplemented by ground restraints for safe test configurations. Thanks to 5G/6G connectivity, complex scenarios can be carried out reliably and performance and safety verifications can be provided under real conditions.
BVLOS test area
The BVLOS test area "U-Space Lausitz" (currently ~1,100 km²) offers unique conditions for autonomously guided systems. Operating concepts, safety procedures and new services for UAVs >25 kg MTOW are tested here in a practical setting. With LBA approval, 3D infrastructure and long test tracks, the largest BVLOS space in Europe (>2,000 km²) will be created by 2026.
Research
Rethinking urban and regional mobility: Interdisciplinary research on framework conditions and requirements for a socially acceptable advanced air mobility implementation
From May 1, 2024, the scientific foundations for real-life traffic scenarios of this kind will be laid at TU Dresden (TUD). The new Research Training Group (RTG) at TU Dresden on the "Technical-Operational Integration of Highly Automated Aviation in Metropolitan Areas" (RTG 2947) focuses on so-called "Advanced Air Mobility" (AAM) and its necessary technical and social framework conditions.
News
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Equipment & Hardware
In addition to the large-scale infrastructure, TAFAS has extensive research equipment and modular test systems. These include UAV platforms, sensors, computing units, U-space management technology and specialized flow and obstacle infrastructure for flexible scenarios.
Hardware & Tools (selection)
Multicopter platforms
We have various multicopters for research and development: DJI M3 E (RGB camera), M3 T (thermal), Avata 2 (FPV), Hexacopter PM X6 and Holybro X650, which are used for testing flight controls, sensor integration and mission scenarios.
Onboard computing
Powerful computing units are available for autonomous functions and data fusion, including Jetson Orin NX, Raspberry Pi 4, ASUS NUC and Pixhawk flight controllers. This allows algorithms to be developed, sensors to be connected and flight maneuvers to be processed in real time.
Sensors
Our sensor pool includes LiDAR, RGB and depth cameras, high-performance industrial cameras and additional devices such as searchlights. This equipment enables navigation, environmental perception, 3D reconstruction and the development of new detection methods.
U-Space management
We use Aerobits trackers, Remote ID and FLARM systems as well as our own receiving stations for Remote ID, FLARM and ADS-B to record and integrate air traffic. This allows us to realistically investigate U-space operations, collision avoidance and interaction with UAVs in complex airspace.
Wind & flow technology
A 3x3 m wind shaper, wind tunnel stem and a turntable are available for realistic flow tests. Precise measuring systems such as hot-wire probes and pressure sensors allow detailed analysis of wind fields and their effect on UAVs - from stability tests to urban scenarios.
Modular obstacles
To recreate complex environments, we use inflatable and modular obstacles as well as printed tarpaulins that are suspended from the ceiling. This allows us to realistically simulate urban structures, street canyons or traffic areas and depict scenarios for Conflict Detection & Resolution.
Contact TAFAS
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