Research Topics

  • Artificial intelligence
  • Automated vehicles
  • Autonomous systems
  • Cognitive
  • Command and control
  • Data analytics
  • Flight research - avionics
  • Flight testing
  • Human factors/ergonomics
  • Human simulation
  • Photonics/optical sensors
  • Sensors
  • UAV research
  • Wireless communication

The Operator Performance Laboratory (OPL) is a world-renowned flight test laboratory that conducts research on human-in-the-loop and intelligent autonomous systems to increase efficiency, inter-operability, and safety. The lab has been in operation for 24 years and has more than 2,800 hours of flight test experience in over 400 projects or project increments.


 

Director

Tom Mach Schnell portrait

Tom Schnell, PhD

Title/Position
Associate Director, Iowa Technology Institute
Director, Operator Performance Laboratory
Captain Jim "Max" Gross Chair in Engineering

OPL Resources and Capabilities

OPL has 11 instrumented aircraft (six manned, five unmanned) and six flight simulators. Systems of particular interest include flight decks, airborne sensor systems, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems, and automotive user interface systems. 

OPL resources and capabilities include the following:

  • Labs, shops, hangars, tooling, fixtures, instrumentation

  • Current USAF/AFRL Public Aircraft Operations (PAO)

  • Flight Test process for DoDD 5030.61/AWB-340 and GFR

  • Experienced flight testers and human factors professionals

  • Cognitive Assessment Tool Set (CATS)

  • Flying physiological episode assessment sensors: ECG, EEG, GSR, SpO2, respiration, temp, air quality, physiological shirts, eye tracking, etc.

OPL News

Delfin L29 in the air

Iowa draws industry attention for AI-driven mission demo with Lockheed Martin

Wednesday, September 13, 2023
Schnell LIFT

OPL helps evaluate LIFT’s new fixed wing AV 2.2 helmet 

Wednesday, June 21, 2023
Tom Schnell

Flyover State: Iowa Engineers Set Their Sights on the Future of Aviation

Thursday, March 9, 2023
Aircraft inside OPL hangar

CBJ: UI flight expert briefs DARPA on AI in aerial combat

Wednesday, February 15, 2023
Tom Schnell flying Delfin L29

WATCH: Schnell, LTC Highland brief DARPA on Air Combat Evolution

Wednesday, February 8, 2023
Legislators in the Lab OPL

Iowa legislators visit campus for up-close view of UI research

Wednesday, December 21, 2022
Legislative Visit 12/22

Iowa legislators visit the OPL flight testing lab

Wednesday, December 14, 2022
Air Force ROTC

OPL hosts University of Iowa Air Force ROTC award ceremony

Thursday, December 8, 2022
Yang Liu Madigan Army Medical Center

R&D Mecca in the American Heartland

Saturday, December 3, 2022
OPL

CBJ: University of Iowa OPL’s jets offer flight testing for DARPA project

Saturday, August 20, 2022
OPL

OPL’s jets take flight for DARPA Pheme capstone demonstration

Wednesday, August 10, 2022
Schnell Mi2

UI military helicopters take off to demo tech for Joint Forces officials

Wednesday, January 12, 2022
Picture of the IBBA Luncheon at the OPL

OPL hosts Iowa Business Aviation Association luncheon

Wednesday, December 1, 2021
ACE at OPL

ITI and OPL welcome teams behind DARPA's ACE program to advance AI dogfighting capabilities

Wednesday, September 29, 2021
NASA Earth

UI scientists to expand space-based research on campus through new P3 grant

Friday, June 18, 2021
OPL pilot flying an L292

OPL helps DARPA capture 'trust data' for new AI dogfighting

Wednesday, March 24, 2021
Iowa Spirit Squad and Herky at OPL

OPL's Mi-2 helicopters and L-29 jet win in Iowa DOT photo contest

Monday, December 21, 2020
OPL L-29 Delfin carrying pod

Schnell, OPL support Collins Aerospace in testing combat training system

Friday, December 11, 2020
Abbie Moore standing in front of Old Capitol

UI student, future Air Force officer reaches for the stars

Wednesday, November 11, 2020
Mi2 Helicopter Tom Schnell

How researchers connected helicopter vibrations to stroke therapy

Thursday, October 29, 2020
737 Simulator

OPL testing contributes to better aircraft avionics and two separate awards

Friday, October 16, 2020
 Enrique Leira in front of Mi2 Helicopter

Collaboration with ITI finds helicopter vibrations may benefit stroke therapy

Friday, May 15, 2020