Since 2020, the institute has had a new Cessna F406 Caravan II research aircraft with the registration number "D-ILAB" at its disposal. The low-wing aircraft has retractable landing gear and two PT-6 propeller turbines with 500 hp each.
Measurement equipment specially developed by the institute is based on experiences of flight tests with the previous Do 128-6 "D-IBUF" research aircraft. The basic equipment of the D-ILAB traditionally consists of a nose boom for measuring meteorological parameters such as temperature, humidity, pressure, inflow vector (wind vector) as well as inertial and satellite navigation equipment for determining attitude angle, position and speed.
For the use of optical navigation, cartography and aerial image analysis, an integrated high-resolution color camera with mounting stations for additional cameras is located under the nose of the fuselage. In addition, the wings have special reinforced mounting options for attaching various external loads.
The cabin contains workstations for flight measurement engineers and accompanying scientists to control the measurement system and to record and analyze all measurement data online.
The modular design of the equipment-carriers in the cabin enables for integration and expansion of the measuring system for special applications and thus meets the need to explore further fields of research.
The D-ILAB is also used as part of student laboratories (e.g. competence field laboratory (Kompetenzfeldlabor), specialist laboratory (Fachlabor) or Summer School). Seats are available for 3 to 5 students per flight so that they can experience a flight test at close quarters.
| Registration | D-ILAB |
|---|---|
| Serial number | F406-075 |
| Year of construction | 1995 |
| Engines | 2 PT6A-112 propeller turbines with 500 hp each, 5-blade composite propeller |
| Max. Take-Off weight | 4.468 kg |
| Range | up to 5.5 hours flight time (test flight operation) |
| Speed | between 130 and 200 KIAS |
| Crew | 2 pilots (also approved for flights with one pilot); 2 scientific workstations |
| Max. altitude | up to 25 000 ft, without pressurized cabin |