Tackling the challenges of climate-neutral aviation with the virtual integrated aircraft

As modern aviation is facing a massive increase in engineering complexity, harnessing innovation and sustainability is imperative. Aerospace engineering is in a constant state of evolution, demanding the pursuit of new technologies and pushing boundaries. This drive aims to develop aircraft that are not only more capable, but also more fuel-efficient, quieter, lighter, stronger and faster to market without any safety compromise.

For instance, advancements in aviation technology call for optimizing aircraft systems across ATA chapters, introducing electric hybridization technologies at the MW scale, exploring new airframe concepts (dry wings, braced wings, etc.), and advancing propulsion technologies. Hybrid-electric propulsion shows promise for smaller regional aircraft, while synthetic fuels are suitable for short- to medium-range planes. Additionally, hydrogen is being explored as a promising future fuel, given its high gravimetric energy density and zero CO2 emissions.

Pushing the boundaries, optimizing across domains and introducing new technologies require engineering teams and suppliers to capture the integrated mission performance view provided by the virtual integrated aircraft (VIA) approach. This is essential for assessing system-level performance, de-risking integration, verifying aircraft, and avoiding potential budget and timeline overruns.

In this webinar, industry experts will demonstrate how VIA assists in achieving optimal and more sustainable aircraft designs thanks to strategies like:

1.Thermal management optimization

Advanced simulation technologies enable engineers to optimize the thermal behavior of components and systems, leading to more efficient cooling systems, reduced energy consumption and improved sustainability.

2. Streamlined energy management

By simulating the integration of different energy systems, such as propulsion, electrical and thermal systems, engineers can improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions, ultimately minimizing their carbon footprint.

3. Enabled system-of-systems method

With simulation-driven engineering of interconnected systems within an aircraft, it's possible to streamline the integration process, reducing development time and costs while driving productivity.

4. Comprehensive system simulation from component to full aircraft

Utilizing the latest simulation technologies, engineers can evaluate the performance and behavior of individual components, subsystems, and systems. This allows them to identify potential issues and optimize outcomes, not just at the component level, but also when all the components are integrated virtually into the complete application.