Testing tomorrow’s drones today

The North Australia Centre for Autonomous Systems – Airspace Integration Research Facility

The NACAS Airspace Integration Research Facility (AIR-F) is Australia’s primary centre for testing, integrating, and certifying Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM).

Our mission is to assist our partners in the safe and compliant integration of UAS and AAM technologies into the national airspace.

Our vision is to enhance economic opportunities and improve livelihoods for Australians through the safe adoption and system integration of UAS and AAM.

Located 3 hours’ drive from Darwin and 20 minutes from Katherine, the Charles Darwin University Airspace Integration Research Facility offers an unrivalled space to undertake research into emerging aviation technologies.

With in-depth regulatory knowledge, aviation, and research experience, AIR-F will help users successfully navigate the challenges of adopting and integrating UAS and AAM into the national airspace.

There are only a few locations in Australia where manufacturers and researchers can safely remotely pilot UAS over large distances

Download flyer (PDF)

Why do we need AIR-F?

Air Services predicts that the number of UAS flights will dramatically increase from the current 1.5 million to 60.4 million by 2043. To develop this type of ecosystem and advance Australia’s sovereign capability, a considerable amount of flight testing, validation, certification, and airspace integration will need to be undertaken over the next decade.

Australia’s flight test ranges were developed to test crewed aircraft, and while UAS are allowed onto those ranges, operators typically experience long wait times, limited testing opportunities, and high costs. AIR-F is a dedicated UAS facility that offers flight test and validation services at significantly lower costs compared to dual-use flight test ranges.

*The time for obtaining BVLOS approvals is airframe-specific

Capabilities

  • Consultation, technical support, and hands-on assistance

  • Guidance on CASA regulations and permit approvals

  • Customisable test settings that replicate real-world conditions

  • Dedicated hangars and maintenance zones

  • Advanced data logging, real-time monitoring, and post-flight analysis

  • Ground control stations, safety zones, and emergency protocols

  • Simultaneous multi-drone operations with advanced controls

  • BVLOS, autonomous flights, surveillance, remote sensing and payload testing

  • ISupport for incorporating new technologies into existing UAS

  • Partnerships with Universities, Government, and Industry

  • Workshops and training opportunities available

The AIR-F proposition

AIR-F is located three hours south of Darwin International Airport and just 20 minutes from Katherine’s city centre. The facility offers on-site accommodation for up to 80 people, catering, teaching spaces, a flight operations room, an aerospace workshop, a fully equipped elevated remote command station, an ADS-B receiver, a radio, remote site landing pads, and high-speed internet. The facility spans 4,000 hectares of low-risk airspace with a ceiling of up to 1,000 feet, allowing for a 40-kilometre flight loop.

The facility experiences a monsoonal tropical climate. From May to October, the weather is stable, with average highs of 32°C and lows of 18°C. During these months, winds are light and predictable, with minimal rainfall, allowing for reliable flight conditions without weather-related cancellations. From November to April, the weather is more variable, featuring high rainfall and humidity, with average highs of 35°C and lows of 25°C. This period presents challenging conditions, which can be helpful for flight testing under extreme circumstances.

AIR-F is open to Australian or international businesses, industry, and researchers wishing to undertake UAS and AAM integration into the national airspace.

On site UAS maintenance, service, repair expertise, and facilities

The Airspace Integration Research Facility and BVLOS flight area at the CDU Katherine Rural Campus (KRC)

Remote Pilot in Command and Remote Pilot undertaking BVLOS operations