UTAC CONTRACTED TO MANAGE AND SERVICE RENOWNED SATORY TEST CENTRE, VERSAILLES
UTAC has been selected, to take over the management and operation of the test tracks at the renowned and fully refurbished Satory testing centre in Versailles.
The appointment marks a significant strategic milestone for UTAC, expanding its capabilities in the testing of heavy-duty and defence vehicles while reinforcing its role as a key partner within the French and European mobility and defence ecosystems.
The Satory test tracks have recently undergone a comprehensive redesign, resulting in a more compact layout while maintaining full operational capacity. This transformation has also enabled the release of land to support the broader development of the Satory district in Versailles.
Under the new agreement, UTAC will be responsible for the organisation, operation, safety and commercialisation of the site. A dedicated track manager and site administrator will oversee day-to-day operations and coordinate access for multiple users.
While existing users including the Ministry of the Armed Forces, KNDS and Arquus will retain access to designated testing slots, UTAC will make the remaining capacity available to a wider range of industrial clients.
The Satory site offers a versatile and technically advanced testing environment, including:
- A flat testing area measuring 200 metres in length and 80 metres in width
- A speed ring with a banked section connected to a road loop
- Endurance zones featuring cobblestones, bumps, obstacles and dune
- Dedicated obstacle zones and pits for military crossing scenarios
- Gradients ranging from 40% to 55%, suitable for wheeled and tracked vehicles
- A 30% banked track
The facility is designed to accommodate vehicles of up to 80 tonnes, making it particularly well suited to testing trucks, tractors, heavy goods vehicles and defence platforms.
UTAC EVP France & International Services, Christophe Perge, said: “The Satory site is a strategically important asset for both defence and industrial mobility in Europe. We are strengthening our ability to support the testing of complex, mission-critical vehicles while opening up new commercial opportunities for a wider range of manufacturers. This project allows us to combine operational excellence with a clear growth trajectory, positioning UTAC as a key partner at the intersection of defence capability, heavy mobility and next-generation innovation.”