Raphe mPhibr revolutionises UAV innovation with Dassault Systèmes’ platform

This will transform how aircraft systems are conceived, validated and built, substantially reducing the design cycle.

Unmanned aircraft systems are emerging in light of growing applications in defence, homeland security, agriculture, logistics and infrastructure monitoring, and are expected to reach an estimated 6.5 million units in 2030.  To contribute to India’s goal of becoming self-reliant in aerospace and defence, Raphe mPhibr needed a new approach to integrate technology and advanced scientific principles into its design process for the engineering of next-generation UAVs with superior strength-to-weight performance and increased payload capacity.

From metals to composites and electronics, Raphe mPhibr designs and builds everything under one roof. Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform significantly reduced its product development cycle while integrating physics and design for manufacturing within the design phase.  One of the most compelling use cases for the 3DEXPERIENCE platform at Raphe mPhibr was during the development of its engine. Traditionally a multi-year effort, the engine development process was shortened to just three months. The platform empowered the team to redesign parts optimised for 3D manufacturing.

Raphe mPhibr successfully created complex composite parts through an integrated design and simulation workflow.  It reduced the weight of its 4kW 2-stroke engine, which outperforms systems seven times its weight, by 700 grams (1.54 pounds), and made a strategic shift toward 3D-centric design thinking that led to more intuitive and efficient part development. The platform also enabled the team to push the boundaries of engineering by designing high-performance aerodynamic surfaces.

“Designing and manufacturing a drone is nothing less than designing and manufacturing a whole aircraft. The kind of drones we are manufacturing have 20,000 to 30,000 parts,” said Vikash Mishra, Chairman, Raphe mPhibr. “The 3DEXPERIENCE platform allows us to think in 3D – not in straight lines, circles or squares.  Biological systems that have evolved in nature – such as plants, anatomical structures and geological formations – are not made up of geometrical shapes. So, using this platform, we can design more organically and without limitations. It’s the best software to create our vision.”

“Raphe mPhibr’s adoption of our 3DEXPERIENCE platform shows how innovators are building tomorrow’s advanced air mobility solutions with virtual twin experiences. Its focus on in-house design sets a new benchmark for engineering excellence,” said David Ziegler, Vice President, Aerospace and Defence Industry, Dassault Systèmes.  “The 3DEXPERIENCE platform combines all aspects of design, simulation and collaboration in a single environment for innovation and operational efficiency.”

Raphe mPhibr recently announced it closed $100 million in funding in a round led by General Catalyst - the largest private funding round for an Indian aircraft manufacturer to date.