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Operators and Investors

Research and development

Anchored within the Latrobe Aerospace Technology Precinct, the Launch Pad will enable a thriving collaborative environment for emerging aviation technology partners, academia and research organisations to support research and development, trialling and testing, and market validation to support pathways to commercialisation.

The AAM ecosystem will include:

• supportive environment for start-up and developing AAM businesses
• test and evaluation range services
• research and development facilities
• office spaces, meeting rooms, presentation areas
• appropriately zoned areas for manufacturing and commercial production, including airside access
• access to liquid hydrogen and electric charging infrastructure
• support services by Latrobe City Council and government agencies.

Precinct infrastructure will include:
• Spaces that can be hired on a short, medium or long-term basis. These include office/administration areas, hanger areas, outside areas, access to drone nets, airside

Access

The Launch Pad will be a flexible and future-focused building that has been designed to evolve with the needs of emerging industries and technologies. The two storey, 1,225 square metre building has been designed to interconnect industry, innovators, suppliers and educational institutions to enable the development, assembly, testing and evaluation, and commercialisation of AAM and associated renewable energy systems.

In establishing the enabling infrastructure that will be needed to unlock zero-carbon propulsion technologies for aviation, we create a more sustainable future for the region.

Looking for the right space for research and development? Operators and businesses based within the Launch Pad will bring technical depth and ambition to drive sector and industry growth, and long-term regional capability. If you’re interested in short or long-term tenancy, contact xxxxx@latrobe.vic.gov.au or complete the enquiry form.

Test and evaluation

The Precinct will enable testing and evaluation of a wide range of drones and AAM aircraft, supported by enabling infrastructure and operating environments. Located just 1.5 hours from Melbourne, it offers strong access to industry and supply chains, as well as accommodation and facilitates, while retaining the airspace separation necessary for safe and efficient flight testing.

Latrobe Regional Airport - the Precinct is established within the Latrobe Regional Airport (owned and operated by the Latrobe City Council) and has direct runway and airspace access. There is approximately, 8,895 hectares of low density and ground infrastructure to facilitate flight testing.

Runway testing can also be enabled through the Airport , noting the airspace is uncontrolled and operations are co-ordinated through established internal procedures and, where required, the issuing of NOTAMs.

Runway information

• Runway 03/21
1430m x 23m stone mastic asphalt

Non precision instrument procedures with night operations lighting and PAPI navigational lights.

• Runway 09/27 – 919m x 18m gravel.
• Glider Strip 03/21 – 537m x 10m grass. Subject to weather conditions, refer to NOTAMs.

Navigational aids:

• RNP Runway 03 and Runway 21
• NDB-A & NDB-B procedures
• Runway 03/21 Pilot Activated Lighting
• Illuminated wind direction indicator

The Command Centre will support flight testing from early trials through to commercial operations, providing real time tracking and airspace awareness to enable safe and regulatory compliant beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) testing and evaluation.

Digital twin mapping of the region will also be available to operators to support SORA applications.