pAIramid

AI-based testing pyramid towards virtual certification of next-gen composite aerostructures

pAIramid aims to transform aerostructure design, development, and certification by harnessing AI-driven virtual testing. This innovative approach replaces costly, time-intensive physical tests with a cutting-edge digital framework of high-fidelity virtual tools.

The aerospace industry faces substantial challenges in certifying composite aerostructures, a process that relies on the traditional pyramidal framework, where each level – from materials to full aerostructures – undergoes sequential, labour-intensive testing. This costly and time consuming process hinders innovation, slows market entry, and limits design flexibility. Additionally, current methods fail to capture interactions between testing levels, restricting adaptability to new materials and processes.

pAIramid aims to revolutionise aerostructure design, development, and certification by introducing an AI-powered digital framework that integrates virtual testing across all levels of the certification pyramid (from base to top: material, coupon, element, aerostructure). This approach replaces costly and time-intensive physical testing with high-fidelity simulations and data-driven insights, transforming certification into a streamlined, interconnected process.

By the end of the project, pAIramid will deliver the following results:

• AI-driven virtual certification framework reducing reliance on physical testing, enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness
• Development of sustainable functionalised thermoset and thermoplastic composites for advanced aerospace applications.
• Integration of innovative manufacturing processes, including one-shot Liquid Resin Infusion (LRI) and Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM).
• Validation through four industrial demonstrators (Use Cases), ensuring real-world applicability in aerostructures and market readiness.
• Regulatory alignment to support industry adoption and compliance with certification standards.
• AI-powered decision-making tools to optimise virtual testing and accelerate aerostructure certification​.

pAIramid unites 13 partners including leading research centres, universities, and industry players. Together, they are pioneering AI-driven digital certification and advancing sustainable aerostructure manufacturing. pAIramid is coordinated by Ikerlan and involves two members of Albatros GIE which are Méca & Potez Aéronautique. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101192736. Officially launched on 1st December 2024, the pAIramid project is lasting 45-month and supported by nearly 5M€.

Learn more on the official project website