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TROY, MI, Feb 7, 2025 – Altair welcomes Meridian Flight Systems to the Altair Aerospace Startup Acceleration Program (ASAP). Within ASAP, Meridian will utilize Altair’s next-gen simulation, data analytics, and high-performance computing (HPC) software and technical support to enhance the development of the Corra unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and its Hybrid Electric Range-Extending Microturbine Energy System (HERMES).
“Meridian marks yet another fantastic addition to ASAP. We are excited to collaborate with them to push innovation in the development of heavy-lift UAVs,” said Pietro Cervellera, senior vice president of aerospace and defense, Altair. “With our world-class software and technical support, we look forward to seeing what technologies arise from the Corra and HERMES projects.”
“Joining ASAP marks a significant advancement in our mission to develop cutting-edge UAV and hybrid power technologies,” said Saïf-Deen Akanni, chief executive officer and chief technical officer, Meridian Flight Systems. “Altair’s best-in-class software solutions and technical expertise will be instrumental in optimizing the design and performance of the Corra UAV, while accelerating the development of the Hybrid Electric Range-extending Microturbine Energy System (HERMES) towards achieving airworthiness certification and operational readiness.”
Altair’s solutions and support will help Meridian improve design processes, conduct advanced simulations, and expedite the Corra UAV and HERMES projects from conception to certification and deployment. The collaboration’s key aspects include:
- Comprehensive Software Access: Meridian will utilize Altair’s simulation and optimization software, encompassing aerodynamics, structural integrity, aeroelastics, and thermal systems.
- Dedicated Technical Support: Altair will provide guidance to ensure application of its software in aerospace projects.
- Collaborative Research Initiatives: Both companies will coauthor research papers and present at industry conferences, sharing insights and new data derived from the Corra UAV and HERMES projects.
Meridian will showcase how Altair’s simulation tools support the design, performance, and certification of the Corra UAV and HERMES projects. This partnership reflects a common goal of enhancing aerospace innovation through analysis, research based on data, and knowledge sharing.
About Altair
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Altair Engineering Inc., founded in 1985 and headquartered in Troy, MI, is a global leader in computational science and AI. The company offers software and cloud solutions across various domains, including product development, high-performance computing (HPC), simulation, AI, and data analytics. Altair’s comprehensive, open-architecture platforms empower organizations to design more efficient and sustainable products and processes. Serving industries such as automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing, Altair has established itself as a key player in engineering and enterprise analytics. In 2024, Siemens announced its agreement to acquire Altair for $10.6 billion, aiming to strengthen its position in industrial software.
Source: Altair