More Electric Aircraft

We offer a range of solutions in real time digital simulation to aerospace manufacturers and suppliers seeking to improve their aircraft’s performance, reliability, fuel efficiency and to reduce operating and maintenance costs. More Electric Aircraft (MEA) and, ultimately, all-electric aircraft are now emerging and leading the way within the aerospace industry, and OPAL-RT is helping them by increasing the reliability with real time simulation tests.

They trust us

Challenges

Powering the future: The rise of MEA and the role of real-time simulation

Over the next five years, advancements in battery technology, superconducting materials, and high-voltage architectures will be crucial for scaling MEA. Challenges include thermal management, power system stability, and real-time validation of electric components. Our real-time simulation solutions play a key role in addressing these challenges.

By providing hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and power hardware-in-the-loop (PHIL) testing, we enable engineers to validate electric propulsion systems, optimize power networks, and enhance safety—accelerating the transition toward fully electric aviation.

DEMO

Real-time simulation of a Boeing 787

The Real-Time Simulation demonstration of a Boeing 787’s More Electric Aircraft (MEA) Electrical Power Generation and Distribution System (EPGDS) consists of a comprehensive CPU-FPGA co-simulation of the B787’s AC and DC electrical buses including variable frequency starter generators (VFSG), inverters, ATRUs, electric machines, loads, as well as APUs. Backup buses are also simulated. Such state-of-the-art real-time simulations can be used for Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) tests of control, protection and data logging devices during the R&D, certification or even production stages of an MEA’s lifecycle.

Advantages

The OPAL-RT difference

We set the standard for simulation technology with our experience and cutting-edge solutions. Our commitment to innovation allows us to deliver reliable, high-performance tools tailored to meet your needs.

Expertise

Through the years, we have developed a unique expertise in power systems and power electronics simulation. From unparalleled solver performance to custom expert services, discover how MEA can benefit from our solutions.

Aerospace know-how

Our first real-time simulator customer was in aerospace. Nearly two decades later, we have fully integrated aerospace project management into our processes, becoming a key partner for HIL testing in aerospace and defense.

Aerospace protocols

We provide a comprehensive collection of communication protocols such as ARINC-429 and MIL-STD-1553 specifically designed for aerospace and defence HIL applications.

Trusted by industry leaders, driven by innovation

With over 25 years of experience, we deliver real-time simulation solutions that push the boundaries of technology and help you build the future with confidence.

Demo

Our more electric aircraft toolset

As a result of our extensive experience in power electronic simulations, we have the right tools to push forward the testing and validation of the ever-growing electrification of airplanes. The heart of our solutions is eHS, a generic, reprogrammable FPGA-based electrical hardware solver. eHS enables users to bring any model created into real-time using the simulation tools of their choice: SimScape Power System, PSIM™, PLECS Blockset™ or Multisim™.

This way, we expand our capabilities by allowing multiple solvers to work together on multiple FPGAs as a single simulation. This allows us to present a Real-Time Simulation demonstration of a Boeing 787’s More Electric Aircraft (MEA) Electrical Power Generation and Distribution System (EPGDS).

Products

The next generation of testing tools

We provide the widest range of proven, state-of-the-art real-time simulation solutions for engineers working on More Electric Aircraft applications. Accelerate projects by testing designs with Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL), while reducing overall project cost and staff and equipment risks. Benefit from the same advanced OPAL-RT solvers and libraries already being used across the industry to precisely simulate complex More Electric Aircraft applications.

Ultra-Fast EMT Simulation and HIL Testing

eHS

Advanced FPGA technology for high-fidelity, low-latency, power systems and power electronics simulation, enabling HIL testing across energy, automotive, aerospace, and industrial applications.

Multi-Domain, Simulink®-based HIL

RT-LAB

Fully integrated with MATLAB/Simulink® and best combined with our various toolboxes to bring multi-domain Simscape™ Electrical™ and SimPowerSystems models to real time for fast control development.

Research and Innovation

More electric aircraft pushes HIL to new heights

Virtual MEA systems simulation offers a cost effective and time efficient approach. In this context, BOMBARDIER and OPAL-RT are participating with collaborators in the aerospace industry on the development of a Multi Electrical System Integrated Simulator (MESIS) that integrates MEA systems models into a real-time co-simulation platform. This paper provides a high level overview of the MESIS scope and objectives. The practical implementation of MESIS involves key technological aspects and challenges that will be addressed by simulation strategies presented in the paper.

Download technical paper

FAQ

Find the answers to your questions

Where can I find more information on your aircraft electrification offerings?

You can find more information on our aircraft electrification products and services at the following link.

How does OPAL-RT support the development of More Electric Aircraft systems?

We provide real-time simulation tools that help aerospace manufacturers and suppliers validate electric propulsion systems, onboard power networks, and high-voltage architectures. Our hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and power hardware-in-the-loop (PHIL) solutions let you test and optimize these systems early in the design cycle, which improves reliability and reduces development and certification costs.

What types of challenges can OPAL-RT help solve for MEA applications?

We help address challenges like thermal management, power system stability, and integration of electric components. Our simulation platforms are designed to replicate real operating conditions, so you can test protection schemes, control logic, and fault behavior safely and accurately in real time, long before flight tests or hardware implementation.

What makes OPAL-RT’s simulation platform unique for aerospace applications?

Our platform is built for flexibility and high performance. We offer FPGA-based electrical solvers like eHS and support aerospace protocols such as ARINC-429 and MIL-STD-1553. We make it easy to bring your models existing in your preferred schematic editor into a real-time environment with minimal conversion.

Can OPAL-RT simulate full aircraft electrical systems like those on the Boeing 787?

Yes, we’ve demonstrated full real-time simulation of the Boeing 787’s Electrical Power Generation and Distribution System (EPGDS). This includes components like variable frequency starter generators, inverters, ATRUs, and backup buses. We enable HIL testing of control and protection systems across AC and DC buses, supporting use cases from R&D to certification.

How are aerospace companies using OPAL-RT to accelerate innovation?

Companies like Bombardier and ZeroAvia are working with us to push MEA testing into new territory. For example, we’re collaborating on projects like MESIS, a Multi Electrical System Integrated Simulator that integrates MEA system models into a unified co-simulation platform. These partnerships show how our tools are helping the industry move faster, test smarter, and innovate with confidence.

What communication protocols do you support?

Consult our comprehensive list of supported protocols here.

Let’s get to work

Whether you need more details or have a specific question, our experts are here to help. Contact us today for personalized support.