NIAR’s Aircraft Structural Test and Evaluation Center (ASTEC) is a truly unique facility
dedicated to Aircraft Sustainment and Full-Scale Structural Testing. Encompassing
a massive 250,000 square feet, the primary building features a 30x70-ft. hangar door,
clear span of 265 feet (80 m.) and a 48-ft. (14 m.) ceiling.
ASTEC is a secure site designed to accommodate proprietary defense and industry research
and certification testing. The facility houses NIAR’s Sustainment, Full-Scale Structural Test Lab, and Ballistics/Impact Dynamics Labs. It also features large-scale load frames for aircraft component testing, machining
facilities, workspace for NIAR’s digital twin programs, client workspace/gym, engineering
offices, six conference rooms and two commons areas.
In its lifetime as a test facility, the lab has performed research and/or full-scale
structural testing on aircraft such as the Learjet 85, MQ-9 Reaper, B-52, KC-135,
F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, B1-B Lancer and UH-60 Black Hawk, to name a few.
