British jet developer Aeralis has partnered with Japanese firm ShinMaywa to implement digital engineering processes for aircraft design and manufacturing.
Work is scheduled to begin this month to establish how digital engineering can enhance the companies’ businesses.
Company experts will be embedded in the processes for knowledge sharing.
ShinMaywa Seeks Full Digital Engineering
ShinMaywa, which manufactures the Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force’s US-2 amphibious aircraft, is looking to implement full digital engineering processes in its operations.
“Application of digital transformation is crucial in the future of aircraft manufacturing. This collaboration is the first step towards future programs and it contributes to the enforcement of our aircraft manufacturing business,” ShinMaywa aircraft division president Katsuo Tanaka said.
UK, Japan Collaboration
The announcement comes after the UK awarded Aeralis a 9-million-pound ($11 million) contract to deliver an integrated digital enterprise capability for the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP).
The GCAP is a next-generation fighter jet program including the UK, Italy, and Japan.
“This is another example of the growing relationship between Japanese and British defense industries, and the benefits of combining our complementary skills and expertise,” British Ambassador to Japan Julia Longbottom added.