Turkish Aerospace Industries Selects VISTAGY's FiberSIM® Software to Accelerate UAV Development Program


FiberSIM composites engineering software enables TAI to keep pace with its rapid expansion in the military and commercial sectors

WALTHAM, Mass., (USA), September 9, 2009 - VISTAGY, Inc., a leading provider of industry-specific engineering software and services, today announced that Turkish Aerospace Industries, Inc. (TAI) has purchased FiberSIM® software to streamline the design-to-manufacturing process of complex composite parts for the Turkish Indigenous Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) - TIHA Program. FiberSIM will be used to perform detailed part design, generate flat patterns, and compile and distribute manufacturing data and documentation for fuselage skins and frames, fairings, landing gear keel beam structures, wing and tail skins, spars and ribs. The use of FiberSIM will help TAI efficiently design composite parts that are tuned for the unique requirements of specific manufacturing processes and constraints, ultimately improving product performance and reliability while reducing development time and manufacturing cost.

This sale continues a long-standing relationship between the companies and expands the use of FiberSIM within TAI. Previously, TAI used FiberSIM to design and manufacture composites parts for the Airbus A400M military transport aircraft and is currently using it on the development of the HURKUS primary and basic trainer aircraft secondary structures which are made of composites.

"The growing acceptance of UAS (unmanned aerial systems) aircraft to perform the 'dull, dirty and dangerous' missions in place of human pilots has resulted in a dramatic upsurge in their use," said Chris Red, editor and vice president of market research for Composite Market Reports. "Approximately $1.5 billion was spent globally during 2008 on UAS aircraft and procurement is expected to grow 300 percent over the next decade. Production of related advanced composites are expected to grow at an even faster rate.

"The development and production of unmanned aircraft therefore represents one of the most exciting and dynamic segments of the global aircraft industry. The ability to design light-weight, robust composite structures is essential to enabling engineers to create ever-more capable systems and get them into the hands of war fighters."

"VISTAGY's experience and expertise in composite design methodologies was a key factor in our decision to purchase FiberSIM for our UAV program," said Dr. Gursel Erarslanoglu, manager of structure engineering for TAI's Integrated Aircraft Systems Group.

"FiberSIM enables us to design composite parts and transfer manufacturing data to the factory floor in a fast and reliable way, thanks to its user-friendly interface. VISTAGY software, support and services have been instrumental over the years in helping us increase our development capacity and keep pace in this dynamic growth market."

"We're pleased to expand our relationship with one of the world's premier aerospace organizations to help them deliver composite parts and assemblies to market on time and on budget," said Scott Carlyle, vice president of worldwide sales for VISTAGY. "The rapid growth in the demand for UAVs makes it an attractive market to pursue. We're confident that the combined acumen of both organizations and FiberSIM's proven ability to streamline the composites engineering process will help TAI continue to expand its business and meet its goals in this industry sector."

About Turkish Aerospace Industries, Inc. (TAI)

TAI is the center of technology in design, development, manufacturing, integration of aerospace systems, modernization, modification, after sales support in Turkey. Its modern facilities are furnished with high technology machinery and equipment. TAI is the prime contractor of Turkish UAV and Attack/Tactical Reconnaissance Helicopter programs, engaged also in indigenous design-development of MALE UAV and Primary and Basic Trainer aircraft. Additionally, TAI is the prime contractor of the avionic modernization of C-130s and T-38 trainers of TuAF. Other major modernization programs include: cockpit conversion of S-70 helicopters, EW retrofit and structural modifications on F-16s and MPA/MSA modification of the CN-235. TAI participates in the custom satellite development program of Turkey and will be the local integrator company for the International Satellite Acquisition Programs. TAI is also a key player in number of global international design and development programs, such as the Joint Strike Fighter and the A400M. The company is engaged in aerostructures manufacturing for customers worldwide, and acts as sole source supplier for some components. TAI is headquartered in Akyncy, Ankara, Turkey and can be reached at +90 312 811 1800 or by visiting www.tai.com.tr.

About VISTAGY, Inc.

VISTAGY, Inc. is a leading global provider of engineering software and consulting services that optimize product development processes by enhancing the functionality of commercial 3D CAD systems. For almost 20 years, VISTAGY has been a pioneer in providing industry-specific solutions that capture complete virtual product definitions and facilitate automatic reuse and efficient exchange of engineering information across the enterprise and supply chain. VISTAGY solutions help customers deliver robust products on time and on budget by increasing productivity, improving communication throughout the product lifecycle and enabling better-informed decision-making early in the design process. The company's customers include over 200 of the world's leading manufacturers in the aerospace, automotive, transportation interiors and wind energy industries. VISTAGY is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, USA and can be reached at +1.781.250.6800 or by visiting www.vistagy.com.

Vistagy, Inc.,

200 Fifth Avenue,

Waltham, MA 02451

United States

Editorial Contacts:

Jeff Grossman

Corporate Communications Manager

VISTAGY, Inc.

+1.781.250.6895

jeff.grossman@vistagy.com

All Topics