Welcome!
The Raspet Flight Research Laboratory provides operational aircraft systems, fight test expertise, payload integration support, and ground-based aerodynamic research to support applied aviation research, experimental flight operations and interdisciplinary collaborations. Raspet is a nationally recognized leader in experimental aviation research and operates a diverse fleet of crewed and uncrewed aircraft capable of supporting research partners in government, industry, and academia.
Services Provided:
• UAS operations and mission support
• Crewed aircraft flight test and chase operations
• Payload integration and performance validation
• Pilot-in-the-loop research
• Aerodynamic experimentation and airborne data collection
• Collaborative research in support of national airspace integration
Services are tailored to project requirements and may include mission planning, flight execution, data collection, and technical consultation.
Major Flight Assets
Navmar Teros
The Teros is the largest and most sophisticated uncrewed aircraft in Raspet’s fleet. Built by Navmar Applied Sciences Corporation, Teros supports long-duration flight testing and advanced payload missions.
Build & Performance Specifications:
• Length: 20 ft
• Wingspan: 40 ft
• Engine: 116 HP
• Max Gross Takeoff Weight: 1,800 lbs
• Payload Capacity: 400 lbs
• Endurance: 20–24 hours
• Max Speed: 140 mph
• Service Ceiling: 24,000 ft
Teros supports long-endurance mission profiles, enabling extended research flights and complex payload integration on behalf of collaborators.
Navmar TigerShark XP3
The TigerShark XP3 is a medium-altitude, long-endurance Group 3 UAS platform that expands Raspet’s engineering and flight research capabilities.
Build & Performance Specifications:
• Length: 14 ft 3 in
• Height: 3 ft 5 in
• Wingspan: 21 ft 3 in
• Engine: Herbrandson 372 cc, 32 HP
• Empty Weight: 300 lbs
• Max Gross Takeoff Weight: 515 lbs
• Payload Capacity: 95 lbs
• Endurance: 8–10 hours
• Max Speed: 80 kts
• Cruise Speed: 60 kts
• Service Ceiling: 15,000 ft MSL
TigerShark supports medium-duration UAS research missions and payload evaluation across a broad range of applications.
Crewed Research Aircraft
Cessna L319
The Cessna L319 is a unique experimental aircraft originally built for U.S. Marine Corps observation missions and later used in short takeoff and landing (STOL) research. At Raspet, the L319 serves as a primary chase aircraft and platform for airborne data collection in support of UAS research.
Build & Performance Specifications:
• Length: 25 ft 9 in
• Height: 7 ft 3.5 in
• Wingspan: 36 ft
• Engine: Continental O-470 225 HP
• Empty Weight: 1,614 lbs
• Max Gross Takeoff Weight: 2,400 lbs
• Max Speed: 113 kts
• Cruise Speed: 100 kts
• Service Ceiling: 20,300 ft AGL
Grumman American AA-5B Tiger
The Grumman American AA5B Tiger is a four-place, low-wing monoplane used for both research and flight training. The Tiger supports a variety of Raspet research efforts and serves as a flight training and currency aircraft.
Build & Performance Specifications:
• Length: 22 ft
• Height: 8 ft
• Wingspan: 31 ft 5 in
• Engine: Lycoming O-360 180 HP
• Empty Weight: 1,398 lbs
• Max Gross Takeoff Weight: 2,200 lbs
• Max Speed: 143 kts
• Cruise Speed: 139 kts
• Service Ceiling: 13,800 ft AGL
Ground & Experimental Infrastructure
12’ x 12’ Wind Wall (WindShape System)
In addition to flight operations, Raspet offers controlled wind and turbulence simulation capabilities using a modular 12’ x 12’ WindShape system, enabling pre-flight aerodynamic testing and risk reduction for small UAS ahead of airborne missions.
Bryan Farrell Director
Courtney Jethroe Business Manager
| Hours | Location |
|
Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm |
114 Airport Rd Starkville, MS 39759 |
| Name | Role | Phone | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caden Teer |
Associate Director of Research
|
(662) 325-3274
|
cteer@raspet.msstate.edu
|
|
| Austin Wingo |
Associate Director of Flight Operations
|
(662) 325-3274
|
awingo@raspet.msstate.edu
|
