Physical Digital size up The Blades
Surrey-based company Physical Digital have completed 3D measurement of the aircraft currently being flown by The Blades Lead Pilot Ben Murphy in the Red Bull Air Race.
Having worked within the aviation and aerospace industry for many years providing 3D scanning and design solutions, Physical Digital's expertise has been able to support the Blades Racing Team improve the performance of their aircraft.
Physical Digital's mobile team visited The Blades at their base in Northamptonshire, UK to capture highly-accurate data of the Edge 540 using the industry-leading GOM 3D Structured light measurement system ATOS 5, combined with Photogrammetry. This data was then used to create a CAD model from which the team will be able to complete analysis using CFD and make design modifications using this reliable and traceable data, which in turn will help improve performance.
The knowledge that the team gain from the data provided will help the aircraft to be more efficient and ultimately go faster.
Having returned from competing in the Red Bull Air Race held in Budapest in June, Ben Murphy and his team met with Physical Digital to create something which will demonstrate how their partnership will continue to support The Blades' quest to make the podium in the World Championships.
Tim Rapley, Founder and Managing Director of Physical Digital Ltd and Ben Murphy, the Blades Racing Team Lead Pilot.
Tim Rapley, Managing Director of Physical Digital commented: “This partnership provides us with a really exciting opportunity to showcase 3D structured light technology and help people understand how 3D measurement enables engineers to better-design and build products. Our measurement systems have the ability to scan objects in precise detail; from jet turbine blades up to complete aircrafts, such as the Blades Edge 540. Much like our partnership with West Surrey Racing for the British Touring Car Championship, we are proud to support teams that are always striving to be the best in their field by using the latest, most innovative solutions. It’s our aim to assist the Blades Racing Team with our unique services to give them the advantage and help them up the World Championship standings.”
Ben Murphy, Race Pilot said: “This is a huge partnership for us. Physical Digital are assisting us to reach the next stage in critical development of our Edge 540 Race plane. With accurate data and more precise knowledge of our current aerodynamic strengths and weaknesses we can focus our strategy and align our modification packages. Knowledge = power and hopefully speed and results will follow.”
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