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 provided valuable support to a complex and challenging upgrade involving our customer, production and maintenance organisations, our US design office, and the responsible Military Aviation Authority. AFD always responded positively and effectively to support requests and their involvement in critical design reviews became essential in closing down queries and clarifying engineering decisions.”

Johannes Hien - Head of Design, Tenencia Aerospace Design

“It was important for Eirtech to create an optimum design team for this high-profile project. The level of scrutiny from EASA was intensified owing to the problems that have plagued the MAX aircraft. From past experience, involving AFD from the out-set was a ‘no brainer’ for such a complex structural installation. They impressed from start to finish!”

Keith McKercher - Director of Engineering, Eirtech Aviation Services

“AFD was engaged from start to finish in our Taipan Gun Mount programme, providing reliable specialist support in the Structures topic. During both the prototype and serial production phases, AFD supported both NOVA in solving complex strength issues, preparing the ground for a successful certification campaign. AFD offer a Turn-Key Structures solution for EASA DOAs by providing a team of experienced Stress Engineers backed up by independent Compliance Verification Engineers (CVEs).”

Gareth Dyer - Managing Director, Nova Systems

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