AERALIS, a British military jet developer, has entered into agreements with Atkins, a member of the SNC-Lavalin Group and Siemens Digital Industries Software. The agreement provides access to established UK aerospace resources and will accelerate digital transformation towards becoming a fully integrated digital enterprise.

Siemens will act as AERALIS digital technology partner and will provide software applications from its Xcelerator portfolio, a comprehensive and integrated portfolio of software and services. Built on a fully integrated digital infrastructure, Xcelerator will enable AERALIS to connect a range of product lifecycle business processes to create AERSIDE, AERALIS Smart Integrated Digital Enterprise. AERSIDE should be able to connect to everything from aerospace vehicle design, production and assembly simulation through to maintenance, support modelling and training.

AERALIS will use AERSIDE, with its engineering delivery partner Atkins, to design and develop its modular family of aircraft, starting with the first pre-production aircraft set to fly in 2024. Atkins' aerospace and defence team will provide multi-layered support to AERALIS, from specialist recruitment to safety assessments and specification, integrations and certification. Atkins will also provide ready access to its human factor specialists for the development of the conceptual cockpit and human performance data assimilation.

The partnerships will enable AERALIS to continue in the development of its aircraft and will build on Atkins and Siemens' existing commitment to the UK aerospace and defence sector.

“We are delighted to announce our collaboration with Atkins and Siemens, whose resources and capabilities come highly respected in the industry. This enterprise relies upon a solid foundation of digital infrastructure and innovative engineering support, and represents a significant step forward in aircraft development,” says Tristan Crawford, AERALIS ceo. “We are excited to be partnering with Atkins and Siemens in this endeavour, utilising a deep well of resources and support to redefine modern jet design.”

"If agile, modular, commercially-driven aircraft design is to succeed, the need to quickly ramp up availability at commercial scale is going to be critical," adds Ben Sheath, VP and managing director UK for Siemens Digital Industries Software. "We are delighted to be able to support AERALIS in achieving its business goals and the positive impact this will have on the UK aerospace industry and supply chain."