Verticals partners with Monolith to accelerate testing
Vertical Aerospace has began working with artificial intelligence (AI) software provider Monolith to increase its eVTOL testing and simulation programme efficiency.
Flight and ground tests for eVTOL typically requiring engineers to spend hundreds of hours across tens of thousands of parameters and operating conditions in order to validate simulations. Monolith uses AI to create more efficient test plans in less time, alongside new design insights offered by the algorithm, this will accelerate development of the aircraft, said Vertical.
The partnership with Vertical is not the London-based firm’s first foray into aerospace having recently completed projects with Airbus and BAE Systems on aircraft and drones.
Dr. Richard Ahlfeld, CEO and Founder of Monolith, said: “Urban air mobility has the potential to revolutionise how we travel, and one of the most promising contributors to this transformation is Vertical’s VX4. With Monolith, Vertical will model complex systems faster and accelerate test campaigns, enabling the company to learn more about design performance while reducing development and testing time.”
The first project focuses on testing and simulation of the VX4’s supporting pylon structures for ground tests of the propeller and electric motor structural and performance requirements.
Monolith’s AI-driven algorithm, aka Next Test Recommender (NTR), will provide Vertical engineers with a ranked selection of the best tests to run. According to the firm, this creates better test plans by increasing design space coverage in unknown areas.
David King, chief engineer, Vertical Aerospace, said: “Transforming how the world moves requires constant innovation. Collaborating with Monolith allows us to harness cutting-edge AI technology to streamline our testing processes, enabling us to focus on the most impactful areas and accelerate the VX4’s journey to market. By integrating Monolith’s tools, we can enhance our engineering precision, reduce timelines, and continue setting the benchmark for the eVTOL industry.”
