#United States #Arlington #AFRL #Istari Digital #Flyer Øne

Istari Digital and AFRL Expand Partnership

The landscape of aircraft certification is on the verge of transformation, thanks to a recent collaboration between Istari Digital and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). This partnership has announced a significant expansion of their Flyer Øne initiative, which has now secured an additional $9 million in funding aimed at bolstering the digital test capabilities essential for the development of digitally-certified aircraft.

The Importance of the Expansion

This newly available funding allows for the enhancement of various methods, specifically focused on Verification, Validation, and Uncertainty Quantification (VVUQ). The goal is to better integrate the digital realm with its physical counterpart by extending the digital thread that links both domains. This comprehensive strategy is not just an operational improvement; it's a significant step towards achieving the ultimate goal of creating the first-ever digitally-certified aircraft in the world.

Over the last two years, Istari Digital and AFRL have been engaged in a closely-knit partnership with Lockheed Martin Skunk Works®. They have focused on the integration of a decentralized testing network that effectively marries unit tests with tried-and-true engineering models. The components involved are intelligently connected through the Istari Digital Platform. This innovative platform has revolutionized the testing landscape by automating the pipelines that initiate real-time performance verifications aligned with established requirements.

The focus of the partnership thus far has largely been directed towards digitizing the Airworthiness certification process. By collaborating on an X-56A digital twin, the teams have developed automated flight validation tools that set the groundwork for virtual flight envelopes even before actual flight tests commence. These forward-thinking advancements highlight the proactive approach of the partnership.

Enhanced Evaluation Methods

This new contract will also bring sophisticated techniques for evaluating flight and ground test data into play. It aims to improve the accuracy of how digital models are compared against tangible flight outcomes, thereby bolstering confidence in their modeling and simulation efforts, which serve as critical foundations for aircraft certification.

In a statement made by Will Roper, CEO of Istari Digital, he expressed the transformative nature of the Flyer Øne initiative: "Flyer Øne isn't about ending the physical — it's about unlocking the full power of digital. Early insights into certification lead to better, faster designs. Even as physical testing continues, we’re evolving into smarter lifecycle models that serve as proving grounds for future AI."

About Istari Digital

Istari Digital is redefining how intricate systems are designed, tested, and certified. Using advanced technologies, their platform transmutes conventional static engineering models into interactive, live environments, thereby making collaboration more efficient while ensuring data sovereignty. Drawing inspiration from the application of digital twins in highly competitive Formula 1 racing, Istari has crafted the first decentralized and zero-trust infrastructure for engineering and certification processes. The company continues to work steadfastly with both governmental bodies and industry players to create a level digital playing field, ultimately expediting innovation in the fields of aerospace and defense.

The collaboration between Istari Digital and AFRL marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of aircraft development and is set to redefine industry standards. As these two entities push the boundaries of what's possible, they are undoubtedly gifting a legacy of improved safety, efficiency, and advancement to the world of aviation.