AIRBUS has chosen DASSAULT SYSTEMES PLM for new eco-efficient aircraft.

Collaborative 3D design and manufacturing solution at the heart of the development of the A350 XWB Programme

Paris Air Show (Le Bourget), France.– Dassault Systèmes (DS) today announced that Airbus, one of the world’s leading aircraft manufacturers, is deploying DS Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions to support several key design processes around 3D of its A350 XWB programme. The software will provide Airbus engineers with a collaborative solution from 3D design to manufacturing engineering, enhanced comparatively to previous programmes.

Based on Dassault Systèmes ENOVIA VPM, a 3D Digital Mock Up of the plane will support design activities from several thousands of designers, from Airbus and its suppliers. The aircraft composite structure design, developed on Dassault Systèmes CATIA Composite Part Design solution, can be revised by all parties involved, leading to improved engineering reactivity. The 3D Digital Mock-Up (DMU) is also going to be connected to Manufacturing Engineering (Dassault Systèmes DELMIA software) for an optimization of the manufacturing process and an end to end process from engineering to manufacturing.

The A350 XWB programme is focused on operational efficiency with a family of new-generation aircraft perfectly suited to the market’s changing needs in terms of size, range, passenger comfort and the environment. It will provide improved fuel efficiency, reduced emissions and lower noise levels during departure, cruise and arrival. This is why, managing the lifecycle of its A350 aircraft in a virtual 3D PLM environment, has been one of Airbus’ major objectives.

“Dassault Systèmes is supporting Airbus in its objective to improve manufacturing techniques and to increase collaborative innovation for sustainable business.” comments Etienne Droit, Executive Vice President, Dassault Systèmes. “Two years ago, Dassault Systèmes and Airbus agreed to have 3D as the master of the A350 definition and 3D reliable configured DMU to be the reference for any A350 designers and managers, to put in place Dassault Systèmes PLM solutions to support the wide Extended Enterprise ecosystem working to develop and produce A350, and to simplify and harmonize IT environment to be efficient in supporting these challenges: This is now a reality.”



“In today’s interconnected world, it is even more critical for manufacturers to intensify their collaborative approach for smart product design and development. IBM and Dassault Systèmes have worked together to deliver an implementation that allows Airbus to collaborate more easily with partners and suppliers. This helps optimize operations globally and creates a leaner and faster model for product development”, stated Albert Bunshaft, vice president, IBM Product Lifecycle Management.