Silverstone Technology Cluster
24th January 2022STC member Dr Rob Lewis OBE’s Catesby Tunnel – a world-class, multi-million pound aerodynamic testing and vehicle development facility – has officially opened.
The facility, near Daventry in Northamptonshire, has taken eight years to complete and is a re-development of a disused tunnel which was once part of the Great Central Railway.
Stretching 2.7km underground with a perfectly flat, smooth asphalt road, the tunnel offers a sealed underground environment for assured repeatable testing.
All facilities are enclosed to ensure that vehicle development programmes remain confidential.
The main building adjoining the tunnel can house two full size articulated lorries to unload vehicles directly into the preparation area, away from public view.
Catesby Tunnel is the brainchild of former STC Board member Rob Lewis and compliments his Silverstone Sports Engineering Hub (SSEH) – itself an STC business member, based at Silverstone Park.
“We are all very excited to be opening the doors to Catesby Tunnel,” said Rob, who is also a director of Aero Research Partners.
“The tunnel’s infrastructure lends itself perfectly to providing an unrivalled vehicle testing facility where real cars can be tested on a real road in consistent, repeatable conditions.
“It has been a huge collaborative effort and we hope to welcome customers from the UK, Europe and worldwide to take advantage of our unique facility.”
CLICK HERE for latest videos of inside Catesby Tunnel.
CLICK HERE to find out more about the facility.
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