UTAC expands aerospace testing at Millbrook Proving Ground

As part of its wider 2026 growth strategy, UTAC is to invest in an expansion of its aeronautics testing capabilities, marking a further step in its evolution from a traditional automotive testing organisation into a multi-sector mobility and technology validation partner across automotive, aerospace, defence and emerging space applications.

UTAC is accelerating investment in its specialist aeronautics division, with a focus on both commercial aviation and defence applications, supported by capability expansion across its global network and increasing recruitment in both commercial and defence applications.

UTAC Millbrook expands aerospace testing

The group has designated Millbrook Proving Ground and Linas-Montlhéry as its lead aeronautics testing hubs, combining decades of engineering expertise with newly enhanced infrastructure.

These facilities offer both static and dynamic testing environments, enabling UTAC to support complex aerospace systems in the evolving regulatory and technological landscape.

Conor McCormack, CEO of UTAC, said: “Mobility is undergoing a fundamental transformation, driven by electrification, connectivity and software. As these technologies converge across automotive, aerospace and beyond, the need for advanced, independent testing has never been greater.

“Our expansion into aeronautics reflects UTAC’s ambition to be at the forefront of this shift, supporting clients not just on the road but across the entire mobility ecosystem, from land to air.”

Building on mechanical, EMC and environmental testing capabilities

UTAC’s aeronautics capabilities are centred around core technical pillars of mechanical testing, Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) and environmental testing:

• For mechanical testing, UTAC has strong expertise and ability to customise its offer based upon its experience in the automotive industry and its various specification sheets with best-in-class equipment (e.g. sled and certified dummies).
• UTAC operates one of the largest EMC test chambers in Europe, enabling comprehensive validation of aircraft systems against electromagnetic interference. Testing ensures that critical avionics and electronic systems can operate safely in highly complex electromagnetic environments.
• UTAC provides advanced environmental testing services (vibration & temperature) to ensure compliance with stringent aviation safety requirements, covering materials and components used throughout aircraft interiors and systems.

Mechanical testing follows the certification rules of AS 8049. EMC and environmental testing are both conducted in line with RTCA DO-160 standards.

Capabilities extend from aircraft interior systems, such as seats, food and beverage service equipment, through to high-value electrical and electronic systems, reflecting the breadth of modern aerospace engineering.

Aircraft represent some of the most complex and valuable engineering environments in the transport sector, with component density and system integration. UTAC brings its know-how from the automotive world, which is an asset to help customers in the aerospace industry, as both sectors face similar weight and costs challenges.

UTAC’s services also extend beyond aviation into adjacent sectors, including satellite systems and communications as well as advanced connectivity and network resilience testing.

Since 1924, UTAC has been at the forefront of the mobility industry, with test centres and laboratories in the UK, France, Finland, Morocco and the USA (plus subsidiaries in China, South Korea, Japan, Romania and Italy) and currently employs around 1,300 people.