Multi-Disciplinary design and Analysis Framework for Aerial Systems

The grant opportunity designated as EDF-2025-RA-SIMTRAIN-DAFAS under the European Defence Fund (EDF) aims to promote the development of multi-disciplinary design and analysis frameworks for aerial systems, specifically through the utilization of Digital Twin (DT) technologies. This funding seeks to enhance operational superiority and lifecycle management in defense-related aerial systems.

Eligible applicants must form consortia that may include small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), large enterprises, research institutes, and universities. The project targets entities from EU member states, the European Economic Area (EEA), and associated countries that adhere to security agreements, focusing on defense and aerospace sectors.

The funding type is categorized as a grant, specifically an EDF Action Grant Budget-Based, with an indicative budget of €28 million allocated for this call. The application process is structured as a single-stage open call, with a deadline set for October 16, 2025. Applicants must submit their proposals in a single submission and evaluation phase, and the nature of support is strictly monetary.

The aim of the research is to tackle design challenges associated with aerial systems, focusing on a diverse range of technological areas such as aerodynamics, flight control systems, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data management, and more. This initiative seeks to develop advanced DTs, which serve as validated virtual models capable of real-time connection throughout the lifecycle of aerial systems to enable effective simulation, performance optimization, and informed decision-making.

The overarching goal of the grants is to demonstrate effective solutions to system integration issues, emphasizing interoperability and modular design with a comprehensive framework for managing data across the entire lifecycle of military aerial systems. This includes capturing the complexities involved in the operational environment and establishing synergies with related simulation activities.

Significantly, the project envisions improving fleet availability, reliability, and safety while reducing maintenance costs through predictive maintenance and enhanced technology integration. Eligible activities encompass various studies, feasibility analyses, and designs aimed at improving knowledge, products, and technologies in the defense sector.

While the call does not explicitly mention a co-funding requirement, typical practices in EDF suggest a strong likelihood of co-funding expectations. The success rates for submissions are expected to be competitive, potentially falling below 10%, as only one project may be funded among multiple applications received.

In summary, the EDF-2025-RA-SIMTRAIN-DAFAS grant provides a substantial opportunity for collaborative research projects focused on developing high-fidelity digital twin capabilities for aerial defense systems, reinforcing the objective of advancing operational capabilities within this critical sector.

The European Defence Fund (EDF) is offering research grants for projects focusing on Multi-Disciplinary Design and Analysis Framework for Aerial Systems, specifically under the call EDF-2025-RA-SIMTRAIN-DAFAS. This call falls under the EDF Research Actions (EDF-RA) and utilizes actual cost grants. The primary objective is to enhance operational superiority and lifecycle management of aerial systems through the development and application of Digital Twin (DT) technologies.

The call aims to enable breakthroughs in areas such as integrated mission management, systems diagnosis, predictive maintenance, simulation and training scenarios, and autonomous operations. It also seeks to ensure safer platforms, increased equipment reliability and endurance, and reduced maintenance costs. The projects should facilitate the validation and incorporation of new technologies, enable early risk reduction, enhance coordination with Military Airworthiness Authorities, and allow for remote configuration and assessment of operational effects. Ultimately, the goal is to revolutionize aerial system design and certification through high-fidelity system design coupled with physical testing infrastructure.

Digital Twins (DTs) are defined as validated virtual models of physical entities and processes, capable of seamless, real-time connection throughout their lifecycles, enabling simulation, performance optimisation, and informed decision-making. A System of Systems (SoS) DT integrates multiple DTs of individual systems, subsystems, and components, providing a holistic view of system behaviour and responses.

The development of advanced, fully coupled DT simulation capabilities is crucial for designing complex, high-fidelity aerial systems and generating certification-relevant data. The proposed framework should encompass aerodynamic, structural, flight control system, general system, embedded software, and design capabilities from level zero to high fidelity modelling. It should offer close and loosely coupled multi-disciplinary simulations and provide full design gradients for multi-disciplinary numerical optimisation.

The multidisciplinary analysis and optimisation capability is a key technology for modern aircraft development, enabling fast and reliable design space exploration, trade-offs, and requirements sensitivity assessment. DTs need to capture the complexity of the system and its environment, including the capabilities of Allied Nations.

Potential benefits of DTs for military applications include increased fleet availability and reliability, improved product development, enhanced fleet safety, incorporation of added capabilities, and reduced maintenance costs.

The research aims to examine the flow of digital data across different lifecycle stages and domains, such as: Lifecycle phases (design to software development to mechanical engineering), Application domains (system operation, logistics, and maintenance), and Information spaces (interoperability across different information systems and platforms).

A specific objective is to address the interoperability challenges of DTs by developing a robust reference architecture that handles the complexities of information exchange across diverse systems and nations. Key issues to be addressed include: Effective Information Exchange (standardisation, middleware solutions, data catalogues), Coordination and Enrichment of Simulations (federated architecture, data orchestration, cross-domain ontologies), Security of Information Exchange (encryption, access control, Intrusion Detection Systems, blockchain), Coherent Data Analysis, Storage, and Discovery (cloud storage, big data analysis, metadata management, AI and Machine Learning), and Development and Validation of Models (hybrid modelling, model validation frameworks, continuous learning, collaborative platforms). The potential of DTs in non-technical areas, such as managing cost overruns and reporting progress, should also be explored.

The final outcome should be a demonstration of a system of system DT that showcases the functional requirements on one or more fully described use cases.

The proposals must address the study and design of a SoS DT in a modular way, enabling gradual development. Priority should be given to modules related to modelling aerial systems and their integration in a digital rig, with a view to certifying these integrations. Different levels of interdisciplinary coupling strategies are required, exploiting interactions between aerodynamics, structure, control laws, general systems, control software, manufacturing, and performance analysis.

The DT should be able to couple with physical tests and integrate data-driven models. It should also estimate platform behaviour in a virtual environment to forecast integration issues and evaluate solutions. Simulation data management must ensure data consistency, and any needed High-Performance Computing (HPC) architectures should be accessible. Modelling and computational technologies must be developed, tested, and validated against representative data.

The activity should encompass the entire systems development life cycle, demonstrating a concept for real-time interconnection of individual DTs with a monitoring and diagnostic dashboard, including a framework for data transfer and feedback loops.

Eligible activities include: Activities that aim to create, underpin and improve knowledge, products and technologies, including disruptive technologies, which can achieve significant effects in the area of defence (generating knowledge), Activities that aim to increase interoperability and resilience, including secured production and exchange of data, to master critical defence technologies, to strengthen the security of supply or to enable the effective exploitation of results for defence products and technologies (integrating knowledge), Studies, such as feasibility studies to explore the feasibility of new or upgraded products, technologies, processes, services and solutions, and Design of a defence product, tangible or intangible component or technology as well as the definition of the technical specifications on which such design has been developed, including partial tests for risk reduction in an industrial or representative environment. System prototyping, testing, qualification, certification, and development of technologies or assets increasing efficiency across the life cycle of defence products and technologies are not eligible.

Mandatory activities include: Studies (Creating a concept of operations (CONOPS) for a fully coupled DT system for a multi-functional and high-fidelity aerial system design, Exploring use cases beyond those identified in the proposal covering the lifecycle of weapon systems), and Design (The architecture of the digital and fully coupled DT system for a multi-functional and high-fidelity aerial system design must focus on the following aspects, A comprehensive data storage and transfer concept addressing, An initial demonstrator of the system of system DT which includes).

Additional tasks include: Studies (Development of a technology maturation roadmap for DTs in Aerial Systems), and Design (Elaboration of a proposal for DT standards, A concept for design evaluation based on data production, A concept to evaluate the required numbers of measurements and locations for operation supervision and lifetime evaluation of Aerial Systems, A complete list of components and sub-components, a measurement list and Process & Instrumentation Diagram for the use case of the proposal, Develop a comprehensive data catalogue structure for aerial systems, a concept for DT models that integrate multiple approaches).

The concept should also include a validation strategy to ensure the reliability and effectiveness of both types of models in operational environments.

The proposal may cover: Studies (Elaboration of recommendations for a European Defence (Aircraft Simulation) DT Model Office in order to share generic models which are not subject to security or export control but improve the speed of development new simulators/prototypes or DT creation, Guidelines for).

Proposals must substantiate synergies and complementarity with activities described in call topic EDF-2022-DA-SIMTRAIN-MSSI.

Functional requirements for the proposed product and technologies include: Detect and assess damage and optimise aerial systems capabilities, Consider human factors in multi-level data analysis for various users, Use Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), The system should integrate the following components and capabilities to enable real-time platform health monitoring and predictive maintenance, The system should be upgradable and flexible, demonstrated through, The system should provide a collaborative environment that enables the following data management capabilities, The digital architecture of the DT solutions should meet the following functional requirements, To ensure the quality and reliability of the DT solutions, incorporate the Verification and Validation (V&V) concept to, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Requirements.

AI-based capabilities are to extend the surveillance and operational capabilities of each individual system, allowing for: Sub-component specific analytics, and Fleet-specific analytics.

The call opened on 18 February 2025, with a deadline of 16 October 2025. The indicative budget for the EDF-2025-RA-SIMTRAIN-DAFAS topic is 28,000,000 EUR. This is a single-stage call.

Applicants are encouraged to use the provided templates for the application form, detailed budget table, participant information, list of infrastructure, actual indirect cost methodology declaration, ownership control declaration, and PRS declaration.

This European Defence Fund (EDF) call focuses on advancing Digital Twin technology for military aerial systems. It seeks to create virtual models that can accurately simulate and predict the behavior of these systems throughout their entire lifecycle, from design to maintenance. The goal is to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance the overall performance and safety of military aircraft. The call encourages collaborative projects that address interoperability challenges and promote the development of standardized, modular Digital Twin systems. By integrating various data sources, simulation tools, and AI-driven analytics, the projects aim to provide a comprehensive and reliable framework for decision-making, predictive maintenance, and continuous improvement of aerial systems. The emphasis is on creating a system of systems approach, where individual Digital Twins can seamlessly interact and exchange information, ultimately leading to more effective and resilient defence capabilities.

Eligible Applicant Types: The eligible applicant types are not explicitly stated but can be inferred to include entities capable of conducting research and design activities in the defence sector. This likely encompasses a range of organizations such as research institutes, universities, SMEs, and large enterprises. The focus on consortia suggests a preference for collaborative projects.

Funding Type: The funding type is primarily a grant, specifically "EDF Research Actions implemented via actual cost grants (EDF-2025-RA)". The type of MGA is EDF Action Grant Budget-Based [EDF-AG].

Consortium Requirement: The opportunity requires a consortium of multiple applicants. The text mentions "proposals" in the plural and emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and a System of Systems (SoS) approach, implying that multiple entities must collaborate to address the call's objectives.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): The geographic eligibility includes EU Member States and EDF Associated Countries. The text mentions "air forces of EU Member States and EDF Associated Countries" and refers to "European Defence".

Target Sector: The program targets the defence sector, specifically focusing on digital twin technologies for aerial systems. This includes areas such as:
*Aerodynamics
*Structures
*Flight control systems
*General systems
*Embedded software
*AI and Machine Learning
*Cybersecurity
*Data Management
*Virtual Environment
*User interfaces
*Certification and Validation
*Interdisciplinary Collaboration
*Scalability and Extensibility
*Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)
*Industrial IoT Technologies
*Sensor Integration
*Data Lake/Cloud infrastructure
*Condition Monitoring
*Component/System Failure Modelling

Mentioned Countries: The text explicitly mentions EU Member States and EDF Associated Countries. It also mentions Allied Nations in the context of capturing the complexity of the system being modeled and its surrounding environment. Norway is mentioned in the Q&A section. Ukraine is mentioned in the Q&A section as not being eligible as a beneficiary.

Project Stage: The expected maturity of the project is focused on research and design, with a demonstration of a system of system digital twin (DT) as the final outcome. The eligible activities include studies and design, but exclude system prototyping, testing, qualification, and certification. The technology readiness level (TRL) is around level 6.

Funding Amount: The funding range varies depending on the specific topic within the call, ranging from EUR 10,000,000 to EUR 39,000,000.
*EDF-2025-RA-C4ISR-MIDS-STEP: EUR 39,000,000
*EDF-2025-RA-ENERENV-PSR: EUR 25,000,000
*EDF-2025-RA-GROUND-CBC: EUR 20,000,000
*EDF-2025-RA-MATCOMP-CDA-STEP: EUR 25,000,000
*EDF-2025-RA-MCBRN-ATE: EUR 10,000,000
*EDF-2025-RA-SIMTRAIN-DAFAS: EUR 28,000,000
*EDF-2025-RA-SIMTRAIN-LVC-STEP: EUR 15,000,000
*EDF-2025-RA-UWW-SOASW: EUR 20,000,000

Application Type: The application type is an open call, as indicated by "Open For Submission" and the single-stage submission model.

Nature of Support: The beneficiaries will receive money in the form of a grant to fund their research and design activities.

Application Stages: The application process consists of a single stage, as indicated by "single-stage" in the call information.

Success Rates: The success rates are not mentioned in the provided text.

Co-funding Requirement: The text does not explicitly mention a co-funding requirement.

Summary: This European Defence Fund (EDF) call focuses on research actions related to the development of multi-disciplinary design and analysis frameworks for aerial systems, specifically through the use of Digital Twin (DT) technologies. The call aims to enhance operational superiority, improve lifecycle management, and revolutionize aerial system design and certification for EU Member States and EDF Associated Countries. Eligible applicants, forming a consortium, can receive grants to conduct studies and design activities related to creating fully coupled DT systems for multi-functional and high-fidelity aerial systems. The proposals should address the study and design of a System of Systems (SoS) DT in a modular way, focusing on the modelling of aerial systems and their integration in a digital rig. The call emphasizes interoperability, data management, cybersecurity, and the integration of AI and Machine Learning. The final outcome should be a demonstration of a system of system DT that showcases the functional requirements on one or a few fully described use case(s). The call also encourages synergies with other simulation activities and provides guidelines for the digital architecture of DT solutions, including modular design, open standards, resilience, and security. The budget for this topic is EUR 28,000,000, and the deadline for submission is October 16, 2025.