The UK’s Largest Crash Test Facility Is Now Open

Mirus Aircraft Seating, a UK-based company that manufactures aircraft seats, has opened the largest crash testing facility in the UK.

It is the largest and most modern crash test facility in the UK, and was unveiled today. Simple Flying will be in attendance at the company's opening of its brand new test facility.

The best and biggest

Mirus' current headquarters in Hingham, Norfolk, is a large space, measuring 2,500 square metres. The new high-tech test center will add 407 square metres to the company's footprint, and help with recruitment. Ben McGuire is the Chief Executive Officer of Mirus Aircraft Seating.

"The addition of our very own in-house testing facility is a momentous milestone for Mirus and a significant investment into the local economy. (...) The PS4million plus investment in the Norfolk economy, in partnership with the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership Growing Business Fund, also means we will be recruiting on a large scale within Norfolk and the surrounding region."

M-TEST is a specialized crash test area that uses the latest technology in the industry. It has "the largest capacity on the market right now." The dynamic test sled, which is shown above, can be used for automotive, motorsport and rail companies, in addition to aviation.

Sledding for success

The sled, which measures 30 meters long, will allow seats to be tested by simulating both destructive and nondestructive crash scenarios. Mirus' testing facility is now among the most modern in Europe, and it helps the company to accelerate its development process. George Freeman, Mid Norfolk's local MP, said that.

"Mirus is one of a cluster of world class engineering and advanced manufacturing companies here on the Cambridge-Norwich Innovation Corridor, being at the frontline of the Net Zero Green industrial revolution - reducing emission and driving green growth through its R&D investment in lightweight aircraft seats and equipment."

Mirus hopes to use the M-TEST sled to advance its own innovations, but also to allow other companies to take advantage of its new facilities. The company also mentions that "pending capacity, Mirus has the capability to lend M-TEST services to external domestic and international parties," with McGuire emphasizing that it will "deliver a solution to the increased demand for sled testing within the UK."

Long time coming

Mirus Aircraft Seating has been on a long journey. The company based in Norfolk is now celebrating the opening of its new testing facility. Simple Flying had spoken to McGuire at the early stages of the project in 2021. Mirus is a relatively new company, having been founded only eight years ago. M-TEST, however, will give it a solid foundation to grow from.

Source: simpleflying.com