With construction underway, Cranfield University in Bedforshire is soon going to become home to a new state of the art digital aviation research facility. The £65 million Digital Aviation Research and Technology Centre (DARTeC) will develop ways for aircraft to monitor, test and upgrade their own systems and structures, as well as looking at the future of the passenger experience.

“Digital Aviation Research and Technology Centre (DARTeC) will be a flagship research facility that will help unlock the potential of digital aviation. Working with our partners in DARTeC, we are looking to develop new digital solutions to tackle the challenges of over-capacity in both airports and airspace, develop improved passenger experiences and create more sustainable air travel,” said Professor Graham Braithwaite at Cranfield University.

Curtins, the built environment consultancy, supports the development by providing structural, civil and geo-environmental services.

“This project represents an important investment at Cranfield University, ensuring that it is a leading centre for aviation technology. We are delighted to be providing world-class facilities that will directly and positively impact the aviation industry as we move towards a more automated future,” said Associate Matt Woodhall, who is leading the design of the project from Curtins’ Birmingham office.

“The structure of this new research centre is a really interesting structure with a truly unique roof design. The canopy produced needs to be able to house a full-size aircraft, as well as being a functional and cutting edge research facility,” Matt added.

The Digital Aviation Research and Technology Centre is expected to be completed next year, and is scheduled to open in 2020.