Hybrid Air Vehicles, a UK-based developer of sustainable aircraft technologies, has announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the science and technology company Dassault Systèmes, and TriMech, a global provider of engineering and design solutions.

By bringing together Hybrid Air Vehicles’ Airlander with Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform, a virtual twin software platform, the collaboration enables each organisation to progress shared sustainability values.

The collaboration aims to advance the products, processes and people needed to accelerate the transition to low-carbon aviation.

Hybrid Air Vehicles will integrate Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform into its business. Airlander 10, its first aircraft platform, will begin production in 2024, with a pathway to zero-emission operations by 2030.

By using the 3DEXPERIENCE platform to model through-life using virtual twin experiences, Hybrid Air Vehicles can ensure Airlander is developed, manufactured, and operated in an efficient and sustainable manner, whilst preparing for hydrogen-fuelled, zero emissions flight, as Airlander advances to being an early adopter of fuel cell powered electric motors.

Dassault Systèmes has built an ecosystem of highly innovative organisations focused on low-carbon aviation.

Through this MoU with Hybrid Air Vehicles, one of the industry’s most advanced in bringing new, low-carbon technologies to market, Dassault Systèmes expands this ecosystem as well as the use of the 3DEXPERIENCE platform by companies progressing solutions for sustainable flight.

TriMech, a Dassault Systèmes partner, will both implement and support the use of the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, using best practices from their years of experience across various industries to ensure the efficiency of Hybrid Air Vehicles’ deployment, business processes, and utilisation of their investment.

Tom Grundy, CEO of Hybrid Air Vehicles, said: “Airlander is an aircraft that makes possible entirely new connections through zero emissions aviation, using innovative and advanced technologies and manufacturing. The collaboration we have forged with Dassault Systèmes and TriMech is going to help us deliver the best possible product, leveraging best-in-class digital technologies to improve our real-world engineering and production.

“Through the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, we will access valuable insights into our aircraft, enabling us to minimise our own environmental footprint. Together, we’re not just designing the next generation of aircraft; we’re crafting the blueprint for a sustainable aviation industry.”

Marc Overton, Managing Director, EURONORTH, Dassault Systèmes said: “Dassault Systèmes’ collaboration with Hybrid Air Vehicles and TriMech aims to bring sustainable aviation solutions to the skies and to help transform approaches to mobility, whether for commercial passengers, freight, military or other purposes.

“Hybrid Air Vehicles places customers at the heart of what they do, allowing them to journey with a clear conscience and enjoy new experiences powered by our 3DEXPERIENCE platform. Together, through shared sustainability values, we will embrace the challenge of imagining and delivering new products, processes and business models towards the attainment of a zero-carbon aviation global imperative.”

Jeremy Hines, CEO of Solid Solutions, said: “TriMech is excited to support Hybrid Air Vehicles in its decision to implement the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. The collaboration between Hybrid Air Vehicles, Dassault Systèmes, and the TriMech Group demonstrates how an innovative sustainable aviation vision can be realized through the market-leading technology of the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.

“What’s unique about this partnership is that TriMech Group has supported Hybrid Air Vehicles since its inception, from the beginning of its journey with Dassault Systèmes’ SOLIDWORKS applications, through to the deployment of more complex solutions within the Dassault Systèmes portfolio.

“We are excited about the project as it provides another opportunity to demonstrate our commitment and passion to the success of our clients.”
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