ARLINGTON, Va. , Aug. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In a revolutionary leap for aviation, Istari Digital has announced that a modification of the Lockheed Martin Skunk Works® X-56A is on track to become the world's first digitally-certified aircraft.
Last year, the United States Air Force awarded Istari Digital a $19 million contract to pioneer this ambitious program, aptly named Flyer Øne in homage to the Wright Brothers. The goal? To create and flight certify a digital twin before it's physically built, paving the way for future aircraft development to mirror the rapid pace of software engineering. While digital certification is routine in industries like Formula 1 racing, it's unprecedented in aviation.
"It's not as futuristic as it sounds," said Will Roper , Istari Digital founder and CEO. "For a new aircraft variant, if the structure and flight dynamics can be simulated accurately, physical prototypes become the slow lane. Hardware as software is the fast lane.
" Istari Digital has previously been tight-lipped about the specifics of their aircraft and industry partners. In an exclusive reveal, they shared the exciting news. "Having just passed a major Design Review, we're thrilled to announce the modification of the Skunk Works X-56A is on track to achieve the first digital flight release," Roper said.
"The United States Air Force X-Plane program has a storied history of breaking physical boundaries—from the sound barrier to sub-orbital flight. Now, they're breaking digita.