Bombardier Aerospace standardizes on VISTAGY's FiberSIM® software for all composites design-to-manufacturing processes

VISTAGY, Inc., a leading provider of industry-specific engineering software and services, has been selected by Bombardier Aerospace (Toronto Stock Exchange:BBD.B) to provide the FiberSIM® software suite as the standard composite engineering solution for all aircraft programs at Bombardier. FiberSIM will help meet the delivery schedule for the 110- and 130-seat all new CSeries jetliners and the all-composite Learjet 85 business jet, two of the most technologically advanced aircraft in the world. Bombardier is streamlining its global supply chain and integrating distributed processes by standardizing the entire composites development process for both programs on FiberSIM, resulting in best-in-class aircraft that meet delivery schedule and budget requirements.

Bombardier chose to use composites extensively on both the CSeries and Learjet 85 aircraft programs to achieve its objectives for improved performance, cost effectiveness, reduced maintenance, ease of repair, extended service life and passenger comfort. The company recognized it needed a composites technology software expert to realize those goals and chose VISTAGY, which had already successfully worked with Bombardier on the CRJ700 and CRJ1000 aircraft programs.

"After a comprehensive evaluation, VISTAGY's thorough understanding of our business and design challenges, its proven software, and world-class consulting and support services were key drivers in our decision to partner with them," said Tim Ambridge, a director of design engineering at Bombardier Aerospace. "FiberSIM enables us to solve complex engineering issues early in the design phase, and in some cases, we wouldn't have been able to design certain key parts without it. VISTAGY's world-class knowledge and expertise in developing composite products will be instrumental in contributing to the success of the development of Bombardier composite methodology."

VISTAGY's support of the development process for composite aerostructures across the distributed supply chain—from analysis, design and manufacturing to certification—was a significant factor in Bombardier's decision. FiberSIM offers the greatest flexibility and productivity for streamlining the global supply chain by providing all the necessary design and manufacturing information.

Standardizing on FiberSIM has provided Bombardier with a framework to integrate distributed processes so changes are easily propagated throughout the entire development cycle, increasing the number of design iterations and ultimately improving aircraft performance. FiberSIM's proven ability to integrate with industry-leading solutions, such as finite element analysis software from MSC.Software, and multiple manufacturing technologies, such as automated fiber placement, automated tape laying, laser projection, nesting and automated cutting, gives Bombardier the necessary flexibility to take advantage of best-in-class technologies.

"We're pleased to support Bombardier's leading-edge work in new technologies for designing and manufacturing composite assemblies and components so they can meet their critical objectives for the CSeries and Learjet 85 aircraft programs," said Scott Carlyle, vice president of worldwide sales for VISTAGY. "Delivering optimal quality composite parts in the least amount of time is the primary goal for both Bombardier Aerospace and VISTAGY, and we're proud to be associated with this innovative aircraft manufacturer."