2020s
75 YEARS OF TESTING THE FUTURE
2020
Calspan acquires Aero Systems Engineering, Inc. and forms Calspan ASE, the global leader in engine test cell and aerodynamic testing solutions, services, and consultative expertise.
2020
A new sled testing building was acquired adjacent to the Calspan Genessee Street property. A new 3.1 Mega Newton Seattle Safety sled with an electronic servo control system was ordered for delivery. Calspan will be the only independent test laboratory in North America to have this powerful sled with a pitch capability.
2021
The legacy before us was filled with decades of innovation and we are blessed to have private owners who are committed to investing in our people and our world-class facilities that will continue to drive the future of aerospace and transportation innovation for the next 75 years.
2021
The control algorithms in the wind tunnel are undergoing an update to provide more accurate store separation testing. It will be capable to run simulation independent from the actual wind tunnel hardware and also allow seamless implementation of autopilot control.
2021
Calspan’s automotive research continue to explore the causes of highway crashes and how to prevent them especially with the increase in distraction electronic interfaces, automotive automation, and the pending transition to fully autonomous vehicles.
2021
Learjet #3, 25-37 is now primarily based at Edwards AFB in California where it provides the traditional stability and control training to student test pilots and engineers and is the primary training platform for the USAF Test Pilot School’s Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPV) Test Training syllabus.
2021
Learjet #2 has variable engine control and control of its three aerodynamic control surfaces allowing for simulation capability of unmanned air vehicles for the expanding work in manned ‘UAV Surrogate’ testing. It is now the primary aircraft for research programs as the other Learjet simulator aircraft serve primarily as training aircraft for test pilot schools around the world. This aircraft has continually been upgraded and now has a fully digital simulation system including a digitally controlled variable feel system for either a center stick or a control wheel, and a hydraulically actuated side stick. It was the first of Calspan’s fleet of VS Learjets to have an all-digital simulation system as well as a programmable flat panel display.
