Tods and Agusta Westland have designs on one another

TODS AND AGUSTA WESTLAND HAVE DESIGNS ON ONE ANOTHER

Composites engineering W & J Tod Limited (TODS) are the first supplier to establish a Virtual Private Network (VPN) design link with helicopter manufacturer AgustaWestland, specifically created for work on the Future Lynx helicopter programme. The VPN links the design teams of both companies, and went live in December.

The link enables TODS designers to connect directly to AgustaWestland’s digital mock-up system, removing the need to transfer data between sites during the design development process. Updates are made in real in real time allowing both design teams, from their separate locations, to develop design concepts to ensure the accurate mating of differing aerospace sections.

Pete Eckersall, Head of Engineering at TODS, says: “We believe this is the forerunner to how participants in the aerospace industry will design and deliver product for the future. The VPN communications link will enable design data to be captured quickly with concepts being jointly developed, which will reduce timescales and costs.

“As a developing SME we will benefit from working closely with an international aircraft manufacturer, and AgustaWestland will have a direct benefit of our expertise in design and manufacture technically superior composite products.”