Autonomy, AI, & Remotely Piloted Aircraft
Your Aerial Sandbox for Autonomy Flight Testing
Calspan’s Autonomy ExPERT platform (Experimentation Platform for Enhanced Research & Testing) is your airborne sandbox for Autonomous Flight Testing, Artificial Intelligence (AI) Flight Testing, and Remotely Piloted Aircraft Testing. Our state-of-the-art Learjet-based In-Flight Simulators (IFS) offer unmatched flexibility to test your code, software, sensors, and systems in real-world flight conditions. Equipped with programmable fly-by-wire systems, extensive data interfaces, and run-time assurance, ExPERT allows your control laws, autonomy algorithms, and communications systems to operate on an aircraft that simulates your platform. With a track record supporting experimental programs like Autonomous Aerial Refueling (AAR), Manned Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T), Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), and Autonomous Aircraft Control systems, Calspan helps defense and aerospace innovators safely validate performance, mitigate risk, shorten development timelines, and reduce early-stage costs—all while flying in the national airspace system.
The ExPERT Platform
Calspan’s airborne ExPERT platform is a flexible, reconfigurable in-flight simulator for testing autonomous, AI, or remotely piloted systems in real-world airspace.
Real Aircraft, Simulated Dynamics
Our Learjets simulate other aircraft’s handling with 4DOF control, enabling safe testing of unproven GNC systems using real AI and autonomy code in flight.
Safe, Fast, FAA-Approved
With built-in run-time assurance, variable stability, and a proven regulatory path, our system accelerates test approvals and minimizes safety risk.
Autonomy ExPERT – In-Flight Simulation as a Service
Calspan’s 5th-generation Learjet-based In-Flight Simulators (IFS) have evolved from manned aircraft research tools into highly adaptable platforms for UAV surrogate testing. The onboard Variable Stability System (VSS) can replicate the dynamics of your intended aircraft—manned or unmanned—while running your actual flight control code in a real airborne environment. It supports input from pilots, onboard operators, remote UAV stations, or autonomous systems, making it ideal for rapid prototyping and real-time AI performance evaluation.
Core Capabilities Include:
- 4-DOF programmable flight control (pitch, roll, yaw, thrust)
- Plug-and-play integration with control systems from Simulink®, Matlab®, or C code
- Robust network interfaces: ARINC, 1553, Ethernet, Serial, USB, more
- Dual workstations for flight test engineers
- Digital twin support via ExPERT-in-a-Box
- FAA-compliant testing, with full telemetry and power provisions
Simulation Envelope
Next-Gen Aerial Refueling (AAR) with Autonomy in the Loop
Our dual-platform AAR test system includes a pylon-equipped Gulfstream III for tanker-side systems and an ExPERT Learjet for receiver emulation. Customers test autonomous approach, station-keeping, and probe/drogue interaction—all with direct access to systems and telemetry inside the aircraft.
Whether validating AI navigation models, refining comms links, or iterating on advanced drogue control logic, Calspan offers the tools, safety net, and airspace to move quickly from prototype to performance proof.
Features Include:
- In-flight lab for AAR pod testing
- Direct access to systems from aircraft cabin
- Rapid iteration and reconfiguration
- Seamless GNC integration on the receiver side
MUM-T (Manned Unmanned Teaming) Autonomy Testing in Live Formation Flights
Calspan enables true Manned Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) flight testing using our ExPERT Learjet as a surrogate UAV. Your AI control laws or Loyal Wingman algorithms can command the aircraft in real time, while our test pilots monitor and override if needed using our Run-Time Assurance system.
Our test facility at Niagara Falls is adjacent to the Misty MOAs, offering ample airspace for combat simulation, formation flying, and mission planning tests. We also support forward-deployed operations involving naval or land-based assets in coordination with the FAA and DoD.
Specific Applications:
- Loyal Wingman behavior & formation logic
- AI reconnaissance and ISR simulations
- Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) teaming
- Strategic comms & inter-aircraft links
Find out how we can
support your innovations
