CFMS helps turn passenger planes into cargo carriers

Working with a leading MRO organisation, the Bristol-based Centre for Modelling & Simulation (CFMS) has developed an innovative digital tool which can rapidly modify passenger cabins in order to safely carry boxes of delicate medical supplies.

Using its advanced simulation experience, CFMS enabled the MRO to reconfigure the additional equipment needed for aircraft operators to quickly and efficiently attach medical supplies to aircraft seats, ensuring their containers remain securely in place while in flight.

The CFMS team, led by Head of Simulation Davide Bianchi, was able to overcome a number of high-level challenges associated with the Boeing 737 project. As well as time and cost constraints, a single solution for containers of different shapes, weights and fragility couldn’t be applied for all loading scenarios, so a number of simulations were tested. To be certified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the design also needed to undergo rigorous structural analysis and meet requirements of the airframe specification.

CFMS was able to demonstrate that its solution was both safe and airworthy and the installation was certified quickly, enabling the aircraft to begin transporting PPE.

“CFMS exists to help solve complex digital engineering challenges, so we are thrilled to have successfully completed this project to help tackle the threat of a second wave of coronavirus, in just three weeks,” stated Bianchi. “Using clever, creative solutions to real-world problems is at the heart of what we do and will be crucial to the advancement of the aerospace industry.”

Through its four core service lines – Data Science, Advanced Simulation, Model Based Engineering, and Engineering Computing Services – CFMS enables high value manufacturers to accelerate design and manufacturing productivity and competitiveness for their products, processes and services.

www.cfms.org.uk