
Monolith, a leading provider of artificial intelligence (AI) solutions for cutting-edge engineering teams, has joined forces with Vertical Aerospace, an innovator in aerospace and technology driving the future of zero-emission aviation.
The partnership will enable the Bristol-based company to streamline its eVTOL aircraft testing and simulation processes, boosting efficiency and accelerating its time to market.
Developing eVTOL aircraft requires intricate, costly, and time-intensive flight and ground testing. Engineers must spend countless hours validating simulations across a vast array of parameters and conditions.
Vertical Aerospace will leverage Monolith’s AI-driven platform to speed up the development of its VX4 eVTOL aircraft. By utilizing AI tools to gain advanced design insights and create smarter testing strategies, the company aims to reduce development time and optimize resources. The initial project focuses on evaluating the supporting pylon structures of the VX4 during ground tests to validate the propeller and electric motor’s structural and performance criteria.
Monolith’s proprietary ‘Next Test Recommender’ (NTR) algorithm empowers Vertical Aerospace’s engineering team to prioritize the most impactful tests, enabling more comprehensive design evaluations and creating reliable testing strategies with fewer resources.
Dr. Richard Ahlfeld, CEO and Founder of Monolith, said, “Urban air mobility holds immense potential to redefine travel, and Vertical Aerospace’s VX4 is at the forefront of this change. By integrating Monolith, Vertical can simulate complex systems faster and conduct testing more effectively, unlocking deeper insights into design performance while shortening development timelines.”
David King, Chief Engineer at Vertical Aerospace, added, “Revolutionizing global mobility demands relentless innovation. By collaborating with Monolith, we are integrating state-of-the-art AI into our processes to target the most impactful testing areas. This approach enhances engineering precision, accelerates timelines, and strengthens our leadership in the eVTOL sector.”