Drone Test and Development Centre

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We offer Drone testing and development capabilities at our DTDC Facility in Westcott. There is a secure environment to test and develop drone products and services, including capabilities that will support Beyond Visual Line Of Sight (BVLOS), pilot training, and remote flight operations. Westcott, as a former RAF airfield without general aviation, features multiple open flying areas, no conflicting traffic, and low residential density—making it an ideal location for unmanned specialist companies to test and develop their vehicles and sensors.

Get in touch with our team – facilities@sa.catapult.org.uk

Download our Brochure

A large black steel cage structure in a parking lot next to grassy land, with buildings and a car nearby.

Facility Features:

Four large workshops designed for technical development—full and half hangars are available for long-term lease, with flexible workbench options accessible for rent by the day.
A 10x10x10m drone cage and tethers fitted with force-meters.
A 270-metre runway suitable for horizontal take-off.
Four dedicated landing pads for vertical or vertical-to-horizontal take-off.
A sensor testing range to test your sensors using our drones with pilots on hand for support.
Multiple flying areas that offer real-world flight testing environments.
A Training Academy designed for drone flight instructors to conduct courses with flight opportunities.

Large black metal cage structure outside, near industrial buildings, on a clear day with blue sky and clouds.

Our purpose-built centre for drone testing and development includes facilities for companies to design, build, test, and operate advanced remotely piloted and autonomous aircraft or drones. On site there is access to the welfare unit, including kitchen facilities and parking, as well as nearby meeting rooms and office spaces which can be used by RAEs as part of our DTDC Training Academy.

Are you a CAA-approved Drone Flight Instructor? Find out more about our premises for hosting training courses by clicking the button below.

Visit the DTDC Training Academy

Gallery

Two-story modular building with wood paneling, large windows, and a modern rectangular design.

Three gray industrial warehouses numbered 2, 3, and 4, with large white doors under a cloudy sky.

A large black metal cage structure stands outdoors on a paved area near grass and trees.

Grass field with a long fence under a partly cloudy sky, leading towards distant buildings and trees.

Closed metal gate with warning signs, blocking access to a vast open area under a partly cloudy sky.

Spacious, empty warehouse with a high metal ceiling, skylights, and a large closed garage door at the end.

A small metal ring set in a square patch of asphalt outlined with yellow lines on a fenced pavement.

Hand holding a holographic drone projection with multiple tech schematics floating above a blurred cityscape.

Get in touch

We can help you identify where you are on your development journey, connect you with industry experts, and highlight relevant equipment – facilities@sa.catapult.org.uk