WICHITA, KS – JULY 27, 2024 – The National Institute for Aviation Research's Advanced Virtual Engineering and Testing (NIAR AVET) has formed a strategic partnership with Martin Solutions LLC (MTEC), an engineering consultancy firm, to deliver certification solutions for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). This collaboration integrates extensive certification expertise, cutting-edge UAS and AAM research, and advanced virtual testing capabilities to revolutionize the certification process.
Dr. Olivares, a leading Virtual Engineering and Certification by Analysis expert with three decades of experience, highlighted the transformative role of digital engineering and virtual environments in certification. "Virtual Engineering not only enhances our understanding and testing of new aviation products but also significantly expedites the certification process, enabling faster market introductions," stated Dr. Olivares. This technology reduces dependency on physical full-scale prototypes, streamlining the path from conceptual design to certification.
About Martin Solutions LLC (MTEC)
Martin Solutions LLC, with FAA Designated Engineering Representatives (DERs), specializes in Type Certification (TC), Supplemental Type Certification (STC), and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), including Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). With over 20 years of experience in the military and civilian sectors, MTEC offers comprehensive risk assessments, detailed engineering documentation reviews, and strategic advice on airspace investments. They excel in managing complex certification and validation programs with major aviation regulators, including EASA, FAA, and TCCA, catering to both manned and unmanned advanced aircraft systems.
Relevant Experience
MTEC specializes in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), providing a comprehensive range of services to support these cutting-edge technologies. They assist clients in obtaining waivers, exemptions, and certifications from aviation authorities and excel in developing safety management systems, risk assessments, and compliance strategies for UAS and AAM operations. MTEC has successfully created safety cases for 220-pound aircraft operations at 8,000 feet MSL, fully integrating UAS into the National Airspace System (NAS). Their expertise in LiPo batteries and hydrogen technologies supports the design, testing, and validation of UAS components and systems.
MTEC's commitment to innovation and safety ensures clients' success in navigating the complexities of modern air mobility and drone technologies. With experience in smaller unmanned aircraft, MTEC is well-versed in the FAA's Criteria for Making Determinations (CMD) approval process, a self-verification method allowing manufacturers to attest to compliance with FAA requirements. While the CMD pathway offers a quicker route to market than Type Certification, MTEC recognizes that Type and Production Certification imposes a higher level of design and manufacturing rigor, driven by the FAA's close involvement.
Follow the link for more information: [https://www.mtec.aero/post/bvlos- operations-daa-waiver-and-exemption]
About The National Institute for Advanced Virtual Engineering & Testing (NIAR AVET)
The NIAR Advanced Virtual Engineering and Testing (AVET) Lab, an integral component of the FAA ASSURE Center of Excellence, is dedicated to conducting high-quality research and addressing complex UAS and AAM challenges. The lab specializes in Advanced Virtual Engineering which encompasses Digital Engineering, Virtual Environment, and Digital Twin technologies, applying these advanced methods to the virtual development and certification of aerospace systems. AVET's proficiency in virtual engineering facilitates pre-emptive risk identification and mitigation, enhancing safety. Their virtual flight testing and simulation capabilities enable a comprehensive evaluation and refinement of UAS operations, leading to well-informed design, operation, and modification decisions.
Relevant Experience
The AVET lab has worked directly with major AAM and UAS industry partners for the last decade. As part of the FAA ASSURE Center of Excellence, AVET undertakes pioneering projects in Advanced Air Mobility and UAS technology, including Crashworthiness, Bird Strike, Icing, Virtual Flight Testing, Detect and Avoid simulations, safety case development, and ground and air impact testing. These initiatives advance the understanding and capabilities of UAS technologies, ensuring their safe and responsible integration and regulation.
In cooperation with other ASSURE University partners, AVET researchers, engineers, and technicians have contributed to developing new guidelines for operating small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) over people within the National Airspace. According to Section 8.5.2 of FAA Advisory Circular 107-2A, applicants for Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations part 107 may utilize an FAA-accepted Method of Certification (MOC) developed by a voluntary consensus standards body or other entity, or an FAA-accepted MOC developed independently of the FAA. An additional virtual method is currently under review by ASTM, and if approved, NIAR will be among the few facilities in the U.S. capable of conducting this certification test.
NIAR AVET is equipped to perform certification testing following ASTM F3389-20 sections 4.3 and 4.4 (methods B and C), with the soon-to-be-approved Method D (section 4.5) Also within its testing capabilities:
Enhanced Capabilities
"This partnership marks a significant milestone in our mission to streamline the certification pathway for aviation innovations," said Jose Martin, CEO of Martin Solutions. "Leveraging NIAR AVET’s advanced testing facilities and our regulatory expertise will set new standards for efficient aviation certification."
The collaboration between NIAR AVET and Martin Solutions is poised to revolutionize the aviation industry by providing OEMs with a faster, safer, and more efficient route to bring new aviation products to market.
For Further Information, Please Contact:
Gerardo Olivares Ph.D
Director | Senior Research Scientist
Advanced Virtual Engineering and Testing Laboratories
National Institute for Aviation Research – WSU
Jose Martin
CEO at Martin Solutions LLC
315-296-4975
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