Nuts, Bolts, and Integers
Engineering next-generation aircraft using the tools and technologies available to us today. There is no reliance on breakthroughs in battery technology, unrealistic certification goals, or new infrastructure needed. By focusing on optimizing fixed-wing aircraft for hybrid-electric propulsion, developing AI certification software, and leveraging advanced manufacturing processes to bring aircraft to market faster and cheaper than legacy manufacturers.
Conventional fixed-wing aircraft have been the standard for decades due to their performance, but to enhance their efficiency, it is essential to innovate and optimize them for the future.
We started out with an aerodynamic airfoil and, through optimizations, made it ~50% more efficient. No need for a blended wing, boxed wing, or others… as those just add cost, time, and certification complexities.
The graph shows the lift-to-drag ratio, the peak of which is the optimal angle of attack. Beyond the optimal angle of attack, flow separates increasing drag and reduces aerodynamic efficiency.
The yellow line represents the selected airfoil profile for the high-performance model analysis (showing a max lift coefficient of 1.8).
The red line represents a standard airfoil profile for high-lift performance models (Cessnas or a sailplane).
Building aircraft cheaper means designing them to be manufactured at a lower cost.
Utilizing modern aero-material composites and hybrid structures that require fewer parts for faster assembly, instead of traditional metal-intensive builds.
Leveraging additive manufacturing (3D printing) for complex parts to eliminate costly machining and reduce tooling costs.
Implementing modular fixtures, automation, and pre-certified systems to cut costs and streamline certification timelines.
With certification accounting for ~40% of new aircraft development costs, reducing this expense is key to bringing an aircraft to market for less. That’s exactly what our AI-native Aircraft Compliance Tool (ACT) is designed to do.
