Delft, 7 December 2016 – ParaPy, a start-up in software engineering and automation support announced that it will collaborate with Fokker, a business unit of GKN Aerospace. The aim of the collaboration is to reduce the duration of the development phase of complex aircraft components through extensive automation and application of the latest simulation software. The partnership was announced during the visit of Dutch Prime Minister Rutte to start-up incubator YES!Delft.

The first project will consist of the joint design and development of a rudder; the objective is to reduce the design time of a year to several weeks. ParaPy and Fokker will jointly develop several applications with the ParaPy platform and state-of-the-art simulation software.

Richard Cobben, Vice President of Engineering, Technology & Quality Fokker, says “Fokker is constantly pushing the boundaries in terms of designing new concepts for aircraft components and systems. By cooperating with ParaPy, we will take the next step in automating our engineering design processes and accelerate the pace of our innovations. It also gives us the opportunity to connect with the start-up ecosystem and help young tech entrepreneurs to grow to the next professional level.”

Reinier van Dijk – CEO ParaPy: “We are proud that Fokker gives us the unique opportunity to demonstrate the benefits of our ParaPy software in a high-tech environment. It is our first long-term partnership with an established player in the aerospace industry.”

ParaPy B.V. delivers software products and related services for automation of simulation-driven engineering processes. The unique ParaPy software platform enables engineering companies and academia to design products faster and optimize them.

GKN Aerospace is a global first tier supplier of wing, fuselage and engine structures, nacelle systems, landing gear and wiring systems, transparencies, ice protection systems and aftermarket services, with sales of GBP2.5bn in 2015 and a global workforce of over 17,000 employees. It has a significant participation on all major aircraft programmes today and a broad customer base spanning commercial, military, business aerospace and space markets. The company’s extensive engineering capability and clear focus on targeted innovation has created technological and manufacturing leads in each of its areas of expertise.

Fokker Technologies is a business unit of GKN Aerospace and a leading global aerospace specialist that develops and manufactures highly engineered advanced aircraft systems and components for aircraft manufacturers and provides integrated maintenance services and products for aircraft owners and operators. The business was founded in 1919. Headquartered in Papendrecht, the Netherlands, Fokker Technologies operates facilities in the Netherlands, Romania, Turkey, Canada, Mexico, USA, China, India and Singapore, and employs approximately 4,950 people.