General Aeronautics has selected Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE digital design and engineering platform to develop next-generation design unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for civilian, humanitarian and military applications.

The company has deployed 3DEXPERIENCE on the Cloud to leverage the platform’s model-based systems engineering (MBSE) and multi-disciplinary optimisation (MDO) capabilities to deliver efficient programmes through the virtual development and simulation of drones.

The platform will enable General Aeronautics to reduce the time taken to develop light aircraft and UAV prototypes by 50%.

General Aeronautics founder chairman Dr Kota Harinarayana said: “General Aeronautics has partnered with Dassault Systèmes to develop next-generation design methods for UAV systems.

“Dassault Systèmes Cloud-based technology has been harnessed by General Aeronautics to design and integrate advanced UAV systems. The 3DEXPERIENCE platform has been key to the development of both fixed-wing hybrid and multicopter UAV systems with advanced capabilities.

“General Aeronautics has partnered with Dassault Systèmes to develop next-generation design methods for UAV systems.”

“General Aeronautics is excited to collaborate with Dassault Systèmes to implement a comprehensive design and development process comprising design, engineering, integration, manufacturing, as well as a digital twin for mirroring physical and digital representatives of UAV systems.”

Based in Bengaluru, India, General Aeronautics designs and develops fixed-wing and rotary-wing unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for surveillance and reconnaissance, along with the transportation of packages such as medical supplies, organ transplants and expendable targets for military exercises.

The company developed GA-1, a multi-role mini UAS capable of vertical take-off that offers efficient forward flight and high endurance.

Earlier this month, Dassault Systèmes entered an agreement to provide 3DEXPERIENCE to support Airbus’ digital transformation strategy.