Airframe Engineering

Structural integrity from concept to certification

  1. AFD Systems
  2. What we do
  3. Airframe Engineering

Airframe Engineering

AFD Systems delivers advanced airframe engineering solutions that enable the design, modification and certification of advanced airframe structures across aerospace and defence platforms.

From concept through to certification and manufacture, we provide an agile, digital and end-to-end capabilities that help global customers optimise airframe structures, improve efficiency and ensure full regulatory compliance.

As a trusted partner to leading OEMs, primes and Tier 1 and 2 supply chains, our expertise supports both new development and retrofit programmes for civil aircraft, helicopters, drones and emerging autonomous or space platforms.

Airframe engineering expertise you can trust

With decades of experience in aerospace design and structural analysis, AFD Systems provides a full-spectrum airframe engineering service.

Our multi-disciplinary teams include structural design engineers, compliance verification engineers (CVEs) and material and stress specialists, working collaboratively to deliver safe, certifiable and high-performance structures.

Our capabilities include:

  • Airframe and structural design (CAD, FEA, CFD)
  • Design for manufacture and structural substantiation
  • Fatigue and damage tolerance (F&DT) and vibration analysis
  • Compliance demonstration and repair scheme development
  • Support for certification pathways for primary and secondary structures

Our approach ensures every solution is optimised for manufacturability, performance and lifecycle integrity.

Our process and methodology

We combine engineering excellence with digital innovation to accelerate project outcomes.

Our airframe engineering solutions are developed using advanced simulation, modelling and analysis tools to predict performance, validate compliance and minimise rework. By integrating design, analysis and certification under one roof, AFD Systems delivers a seamless, agile workflow, from early-stage concepting through to flight-approved manufacture.

This process is underpinned by our commitment to research & development, innovation and continuous improvement, ensuring our customers benefit from robust solutions, fit for the future.

About AFD Systems

AFD Systems is a market-leading advanced engineering and manufacturing business, trusted by global aerospace and UK defence organisations.

With over 600 successfully completed engineering projects across 70 fixed-wing and rotary platforms, UAVs, drones and land systems, AFD delivers robust and technically-advanced solutions that drive the industry forward.

Headquartered in cutting-edge engineering facilities in North West England, AFD Systems is committed to engineering excellence, continuous improvement and a purpose to address complex challenges that contribute to a safer, more secure world.

Why choose AFD Systems?

AFD Systems acts as a seamless extension of client teams, combining advanced digital manufacturing technologies with deep engineering insight to accelerate project outcomes. Clients choose AFD Systems for:

  • Agile and efficient delivery
  • Reliable, trusted collaboration
  • High-quality, repeatable output
  • On-time, on-budget performance

our approach

Our approach is guided by a consistent set of values that ensures every project aligns with our clients’ mission goals:

  • CUSTOMER-CENTRIC | From beginning to end
  • INTEGRITY | In all that we do
  • INNOVATION | To remain in front
  • ONE TEAM | Making us stronger together

Standards and accreditations

AFD Systems is fully accredited and certified to deliver additive manufacturing solutions across a range of tightly controlled sectors. Our operations adhere to the following standards:

Related Case Studies

View all Case Studies

“AFD was selected owing to their product knowledge and track record in delivering similar work to a high standard. AFD has always delivered on schedule and offer a competitive pricing model.”

Gary Wells - Chief Stress Engineer, Héroux-Devtek

“AFD gave excellent service in all areas. When they joined the team the means of compliance for the structural airworthiness requirements were being re‐negotiated internationally. AFD quickly rationalised the HEC requirements and proposed a clear strategy for the strength substantiation and compliance demonstration, convincing EASA specialists in the process.”

Leon Winnert - DO Project Manager, AeroDAC

We engaged AFD on the Human External Cargo (HEC) programme at a critical point when EASA had just begun to scrutinise our first of many STC applications for the Load Carrying System / Basket Type 1. At this time AHUK faced several technical challenges and simply put, AFD offered quick and effective support; working as a team with us to resolve some challenging technical problems, enabling confidence to be built between AHUK and EASA at panel level, and ultimately leading to a successful STC application.

Gordon Bailey - Chief Designer, AIRBUS Helicopters UK

Sectors

AFD Systems is known globally for its work supporting customers in the aerospace and defence sectors, while it also has in-depth expertise in highly technical and regulated sectors such as medical, motorsport, nuclear, rail and space.

In the primary sectors of aerospace and defence, we provide engineering solutions for new design, modifications, repairs and reverse engineering for major airlines, special mission platform operators, military fleets, and VIP customers.

View all Sectors
Aerospace
Learn more
Defence
Learn more
Space
Learn more
Nuclear
Learn more
Medical
Learn more
Rail
Learn more
Motorsport
Learn more

Trusted by organisations across the world