DLR Cochstedt

DLR Cochstedt is the German Aerospace Center’s National Experimental Test Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems at Magdeburg-Cochstedt Airport in Hecklingen, Saxony-Anhalt. The site supports DLR and external research and industry users with real-condition testing of uncrewed aircraft systems, including demonstrators, propulsion and energy-storage systems, civil-airspace integration, certification, safety, noise and environmental assessment. Its infrastructure includes a 2.5-kilometre runway, an 800-metre grass runway, round and square vertipads, hangars, mobile and stationary mission-control centers, and other scientific test systems. The commercial airport operates in parallel with test activities; DLR says aircraft up to 14 tonnes can take off and land under visual flight rules, while research use is arranged with the test center rather than treated as general tourism. In August 2026, DLR and Germany’s federal ministries opened a Drone Safety and Security Technology Center at the site for realistic drone detection, defence and safety research. This is a working airfield and controlled research facility; contact DLR before attempting access.