The Flight Test Centre ATLAS, an initiative that is being promoted by FADA-CATEC and is the first center in Spain devoted entirely to testing of new technologies related to light unmanned systems (UAS or Unmanned Aircraft System), has held the first test flights with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). This activity have been as part of a test campaign to check the main runway for landing and taking off, as well as the activation of the segregated airspace and its correct use.

Construction works of ATLAS are progressing at a good pace and are expected to be finished by the end of the year, so the Centre will become fully operational in the first quarter of 2014. Thus, Spain's first facility devoted entirely to testing new technologies and light unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) will be released.

ATLAS is an initiative promoted by the Andalusian Foundation for Aerospace Development (FADA), that will provide an unique center around the country and the first facilities in Europe specifically designed for UAS flight testing and RPAS.
 
This project will be positioned Andalusia and Spain at the cutting edge of one of the world’s most promising sub-sectors, and which also represents one of the focus for research and development of new technologies related to the aerospace industry at an international level.

ATLAS is located in within the town of Villacarrillo (Jaen) and will have a aerodrome equipped with a main runaway and an auxiliary grass runway of 400 meters, a platform and a building to monitor the missions and general services, and several hangars for UAV. In addition, ATLAS also will have a reserve of segregate airspace of over 1.000km2.