Six years after its first conception, planning permission was finally granted yesterday, by Daventry District Council, for the Catesby Aero Research Facility to proceed.

TotalSim form part of a collaboration ARP (Aero Research Partners) that put the plan together.

This is exceptionally exciting for TotalSim, as the facility will create a world leading test facility within the Northamptonshire area, providing aerodynamic and aeroacoustic analysis at the highest level.

The site, Catesby Tunnel, is a 2.7km long, disused and partially derelict relic of the railway age. Once suitably remodelled for the task by the installation of a smooth asphalt roadway, lighting and end closures amongst other substantial upgrades, the enclosed body of undisturbed air within the original tunnel structure provides an ideal measurement environment for vehicles moving at speed.  The tunnel forms an exceptionally repeatable tool and will be the only facility of its kind in Europe.

Unusually for “proving ground” type facilities, the Catesby Aero Research Facility (CARF) is intended to be commercially available for hire by any customer wishing to evaluate the aerodynamic characteristics of their vehicles. Therefore, first and foremost, this is a business venture to provide customers with a valuable research tool accompanied by the support services necessary to undertake such full scale vehicular testing.

Customers are anticipated to range from; cycling teams to motorcycle manufacturers, race car teams to road car enthusiasts, light vans and truck aftermarket vendors to major motor manufacturers and OEMs, and lastly (but not least) governmental and non-governmental organisations. All have a need for such a measurement facility as they continue the pursuit of greater aerodynamic efficiency to meet performance objectives and reduce emissions.

In addition to the test facility itself is a development within the old station yard. This will consist of two office buildings, ten workshop units,  and a building used by research students from Coventry University and The University of Northampton. The buildings will all be associated with CARF, and will bring employment within the motor industry to the Daventry area.

Images Courtesy of Roger Coy Partnership – www.rogercoy.co.uk

The next stage in the adventure is to secure the funding necessary to get the project completed.  It is anticipated that the build phase will take approximately 2 years.

To find out more about the project then please contact info@aero-rp.co.uk