AI software provider Monolith is working with Vertical Aerospace to improve and more efficiently test the VX4 eVTOL aircraft.
Bristol, UK-based Vertical Aerospace plans for its VX4 to enter into service in 2028. The company is currently flight-testing a prototype and building a fleet of six test aircraft.
Certification of the VX4, which can carry four passengers up to 100 miles (160km) at speeds of around 150mph (240km/h), was recently delayed by two years.
Monolith is a UK-based AI company that was founded in 2016. Its software is used by engineers to provide design insights and test more efficiently. Recent projects has seen the company work with aerospace companies such as BAE Systems and Airbus.
Monolith’s advanced Next Test Recommender (NTR) AI algorithm will provide Vertical Aerospace engineers with a ranked selection of the most impactful tests to run, increasing design space coverage in unknown areas with a more efficient and trustworthy test plan. The company’s first project focuses on testing and simulation of the VX4’s supporting pylon structures for ground tests of the propeller and electric motor structural and performance requirements.
Dr Richard Ahlfeld, CEO and founder of Monolith said, “With Monolith, Vertical will model complex systems faster and accelerate test campaigns, enabling the company to learn more about design performance while reducing development and testing time.”
David King, chief engineer at Vertical Aerospace said, “Collaborating with Monolith allows us to streamline our testing processes, enabling us to focus on the most impactful areas and accelerate the VX4’s journey to market. By integrating Monolith’s tools, we can enhance our engineering precision, reduce timelines, and continue setting the benchmark for the eVTOL industry.”
London, UK-based Monolith is aims to democratise AI for engineering with its bespoke SaaS platform that uses no-code and machine-learning software, giving domain experts the power to leverage existing, valuable testing datasets for their product development. The platform analyses and learns from this information, using it to generate accurate, reliable predictions that enable engineering teams to reduce costly, time-intensive prototype testing programs.
As well as the NTR tool, Monolith provides AI-powered Anomaly Detector software to reduce product development time.
Vertical said working with Monolith will improve the VX4’a performance and accelerate time to market
