pAIramid: A New Era for Composite Aerostructure Certification Takes Flight

Officially launched on December 1, 2024, the pAIramid project aims to transform the aerospace industry through its revolutionary approach to composite aerostructure certification. Benefiting from nearly €5 million from the European Union’s Horizon Europe program (HORIZON-CL5-2024-D5-01) under Grant Agreement No. 101192736, this 45-month initiative leverages Artificial Intelligence (AI) to optimize the design, development, and certification of aerostructures, by replacing costly and time-consuming physical tests with a revolutionary digital framework of high-fidelity virtual testing tools.

Breaking Barriers in Aerostructure Certification

The project, titled “AI-based Test Pyramid Towards Virtual Certification of Next Generation Composite Aerostructures,” aims to replace the current sequential and labor-intensive aircraft certification pyramid with a digital and interconnected approach. By utilizing AI and data-driven simulations, pAIramid enables faster decision-making, reduced physical testing, and optimized resource utilization while maintaining stringent safety and performance standards. The project will test its methodologies through four industrial use cases, each focusing on critical components of modern aerostructures. These include a vertical stabilizer fairing and an aircraft door structure, as well as two versions of a wing leading edge, manufactured using advanced thermoplastic and thermoset composites. These demonstrators will showcase the versatility and efficiency of the virtual testing framework in real-world applications, paving the way for faster market deployment. These demonstrators not only provide proof of concept but also aim to advance technologies in functionalized materials and sustainable manufacturing processes. By the end of the project, these components will reach Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4, marking a significant step towards their potential deployment in future aircraft.

A Collaborative Effort Across Europe

Led by IKERLAN S. COOP (Spain), pAIramid brings together a diverse consortium of 13 partners from seven countries. This multidisciplinary team includes research institutes, industrial manufacturers, and experts in materials, processes, and AI-based tools, collectively addressing the complexities of modern aerospace challenges. The consortium includes experts in composite materials and manufacturing processes – Institut de Recherche Technologique Jules Verne (France), Instituto de Ciência e Inovação em Engenharia Mecânica e Engenharia Industrial (Portugal), Fundación GAIKER (Spain), MECA S.A.R.L. (France), Brunel Composites Centre (BCC) – Brunel University London (United Kingdom) and AMADE – Universitat de Girona (Spain), specialists in digital tools and integration – IKERLAN S. Coop (Spain) and LKS S. Coop (Spain) and aerostructure manufacturers – Turkish Aerospace (Turkey), POTEZ Aéronautique (France), RTX’s Collins Aerospace (Netherlands) and SOFITEC Aero S.L. (Spain). Finally, Zabala Innovation Brussels (Belgium) leads the dissemination, communication, and exploitation activities to ensure the project’s reach and impact among key stakeholders.

A Transformative Vision for the Aerospace Industry

The pAIramid project aims to accelerate the development and deployment of lightweight and sustainable aerostructures by making the certification process more efficient and reliable. The tools and methods developed within this project will not only reduce costs and lead times but also enable the adoption of advanced materials and processes, thereby setting a new standard for the industry. By addressing the growing need for sustainable and efficient solutions in aviation, the pAIramid project aligns with Europe’s goals for climate-neutral aviation by 2050. Thanks to its innovative approach and strong consortium, the project is poised to have a lasting impact on the aerospace industry and beyond.