ATLAS
CATEC operates two ATLAS flight centres that form a unique and pioneering infrastructure in Europe. One is more focused on experimentation for flight testing of unmanned aerial systems (drones/UAS), and the other is tactical, for unmanned aircraft requiring a long runway and for new eVTOLs platforms for advanced or innovative air mobility applications.
ATLAS ALPHA and ATLAS BRAVO
ATLAS ALPHA | Experimental Centre
Fully operational in Villacarrillo (Jaén) since 2014, it has excellent facilities for the operation of experimental UAS and a 30x35km airspace up to 5.000ft (TSA 30 ATLAS). It also enjoys magnificent weather conditions, with more than 300 days of operation per year. In addition, ATLAS is an AESA-approved airfield equipped with the latest technology (ADS-B, primary radar, etc.), ideal for hosting experimental UAS and drone flight developments, as well as for training pilots, operators and technicians of this type of aircraft.
ATLAS BRAVO | Tactical Centre
Flight centre only 25Km from ATLASα. It has a 1,500m runway and the capacity to operate both manned and unmanned aircraft. In addition, a corridor of only 9km can be created to access the segregated airspace (over 1,000km2) of ATLASα, facilitating the execution of air operations between the two flight centres. This air corridor not only facilitates mobility and coordination between the two centres, but also optimises the time and resources needed for joint operations, transit tests or coordinated missions between aircraft with different levels of autonomy.