Meridian Flight Systems Partners with Altair to Revolutionize UAV Development

Exciting Collaboration in UAV Development

On February 6, 2025, Altair, a leading company in computational intelligence, announced the inclusion of Meridian Flight Systems into its Aerospace Startup Acceleration Program (ASAP). This partnership seeks to accelerate the innovation and development of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and hybrid power systems, specifically focusing on the Corra UAV and the Hybrid Electric Range-Extending Microturbine Energy System (HERMES).

Altair plans to provide Meridian with its advanced simulation software, high-performance computing tools, and invaluable technical support. These resources will significantly aid Meridian in the enhancement and optimization of their UAV projects. The collaboration is not merely about utilizing software; it embraces a shared vision for pushing the boundaries of aerospace technology.

Pietro Cervellera, Altair’s Senior Vice President of Aerospace and Defense, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "Meridian marks yet another fantastic addition to ASAP. We are excited to collaborate with them to push innovation in the development of heavy-lift UAVs." This statement emphasizes the partnership’s goal of fostering significant technological advancement in the UAV realm.

Saïf-Deen Akanni, CEO and CTO of Meridian Flight Systems, echoed this sentiment by asserting that joining ASAP is a pivotal step toward realizing their aspirations in UAV and hybrid power technologies. "Altair's best-in-class software solutions and technical expertise will be instrumental in optimizing the design and performance of the Corra UAV," he said, underlining how crucial this collaboration is to their mission.

The Benefits of Collaboration

This partnership will allow Meridian access to a wealth of resources:
1. Comprehensive Software Access
Meridian will utilize Altair's sophisticated software, which includes tools designed for aerodynamics, structural integrity, aeroelastics, and thermal systems.
2. Dedicated Technical Support
The Altair team will provide expert guidance, ensuring that Meridian can effectively apply the software to their complex aerospace projects.
3. Collaborative Research Initiatives
Both companies plan to co-author research papers and present findings at industry conferences, promoting knowledge-sharing and innovation within the aerospace sector.

The anticipated outcomes of this collaboration include not just the successful development of the Corra UAV and HERMES but a broader impact on the aerospace industry as a whole. The effective application of simulation tools will enable the design, optimization, and performance-critical assessments required for certification and deployment.

With a commitment to data-driven research and rigorous analysis, this collaboration sets a high standard for innovation in aerospace technologies. The experiences and results of the Corra UAV and HERMES projects will likely lead to breakthroughs that could redefine capabilities in the UAV market.

To learn more about the Aerospace Startup Acceleration Program and its goals, visit Altair's website. For further details on Meridian Flight Systems, you can explore their initiatives via their official site.

The integration of Altair’s cutting-edge solutions into Meridian’s operations presents an exciting opportunity for both organizations, aiming to enhance efficiency and innovation in the rapidly evolving aerospace industry.