Qinetiq, the company that was born in 2001 from what used to be the UK Defence Evaluation and Research Agency, will build a new and larger test facility with one of the largest and most up to date anechoic chambers in Europe, to subject military equipment, including aircraft, to harsh electromagnetic environments.

The new structure is due to open in 2026 in the MOD Boscombe Down base, in Whiltshire, and is backed by a 20 million pounds investment. The MOD colloquially calls it the “Silent Hangar”.

The new structure will include satellite navigation system simulators and threat emulators to create hostile environments to aid development and testing of anti-jamming features. The MOD specifically mentions work that will be carried out to increase resi stance against foreign GPS jamming, for example.

The hangar will be large enough to welcome large platforms such as MQ-9B PROTECTOR, CHINOOK and F-35. WHile the press releases do not mention it, we should expert the new facility to play an important role in the GCAP / TEMPEST program as well. Qinetiq already has an operational anechoic chamber but this new investment will deliver increased and more modern capability.

The contract fits within the Long Term Partnering Agreement which sees Qinetiq run the various key test and proving facilities across the UK, from Boscombe Down to Portland Bill, Haslar and the proving ground of Hurn. In total Qinetiq is responsibe for the operation of 15 land, sea and air ranges and specialist test facilities. Qinetiq also provides specialist technical expertise and support services including the UK Empire Test Pilots School.