Work begins on new aircraft design tool

Engineers from three aerospace electronics companies are joining hands to develop computer-based aircraft development tools and processes for Lockheed Martin Corp. The companies, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Sector and IBM Corp. in the U.S., and Dassault Systemes of France will provide separate parts of an integrated virtual development environment for Lockheed Martin engineers to simulate every aspect of aircraft design, support, and manufacture. The tools will feature the Dassault CATIA computer-aided design and manufacturing software. IBM will provide network computing technologies to help Lockheed Martin officials link aircraft facilities in Texas, Georgia, Maryland, and California. - J.K.