Dassault Systèmes and Deutsche Aircraft are working together on the digital transformation of aircraft development processes. In the D328eco regional aircraft project, Deutsche Aircraft uses the 3DExperience platform for integrated management of design, testing, certification and production. This approach is intended to enable faster decision-making, reduce risk and shorten project timelines. The solution is based on a consistent digital environment in which requirements, product data and design changes are managed centrally. This is intended to increase process transparency and facilitate compliance with regulatory requirements. The platform supports not only engineering work, but also subsequent stages of industrial deployment and later aircraft operation, ensuring digital continuity throughout the product life cycle.
The D328eco regional aircraft is a new design from Deutsche Aircraft intended for short- and medium-haul routes. The project is based on the Dornier 328 aircraft and is intended to combine modern avionics systems, higher efficiency and the ability to use sustainable aviation fuels, SAF. Even before the first prototype is built, engineering teams can analyse system interaction, structural behaviour and cabin layout in a virtual environment. This means that design and organisational solutions can be verified earlier, before costly stages of physical prototyping and production preparation begin.
One environment for design and production preparation
According to the information provided by the companies, industrialisation and operational stages also benefit from digital continuity. Manufacturing processes can be planned in a virtual environment, material flows can be optimised, and potential bottlenecks can be identified at an early stage. This is intended to support an orderly start-up of serial production and better coordination between the areas responsible for product development and plant preparation for manufacturing.
In practice, this means working on a shared database accessible to participants involved in the development and production of the D328eco programme. This model is intended to reduce the risk of information discrepancies between teams and facilitate controlled project changes. In industries with high regulatory and technical requirements, such as aerospace, data consistency and the ability to track design decisions are important for programme execution speed and the course of the certification process.
Virtual collaboration and training
Additionally, the 3DLive application running on the 3DExperience platform, connected to the Apple Vision Pro device, is intended to expand collaboration capabilities in the digital environment. Customers, crews and partners can review virtual models of the D328eco in a realistic form, interactively compare cabin configurations, and train in maintenance and emergency procedures. This training takes place in a safe digital environment, without the need to use a physical aircraft.
According to the solution description, all participants use the same database, which is also used in development and production processes. This approach is intended to combine engineering, industrial planning, training and communication in one consistent system. As a result, the decision-making stage can be shortened across the entire product life cycle.
