Siemens PLM Software has teamed up with Ben Ainslie Racing to announce a landmark technology and innovation partnership ahead of the yacht team’s plan to compete in the world America’s Cup 2017.
Siemens UK has announced it will provide product lifecycle management (PLM) software products and, through its solution partner Majenta PLM, professional services. The PLM environment will enable Ben Ainslie Racing’s engineering team to create, manage and share the innovative designs relating to the boat design and build.
The partnership is expected to last for a minimum of three years and will support the 22-strong design team’s 50,000 hours of R&D, alongside 150,000 hours of expertise to further the boat design and build.
Siemens will be help to develop the AC62 boats – which reportedly have the potential to reach speeds of up to 45 knots/52mph. Using advanced digital and software technologies, Siemens will enable the design and testing of the boats in virtual environments, supported by data used to fine tune their design which it stated can “constantly evolve to meet the needs of the racing team.”
Siemens NX and Teamcenter software will form the digital backbone of the boat development process allowing the entire engineering team to design, develop, simulate and manufacture in the virtual world. The Siemens software manages the complete boat definition and revisions as the boat is developed, and also manages the alterations required based on the on-going changes in requirements from the sailing team.
CEO of Siemens in the UK and Ireland, Juergen Maier commented “Ben Ainslie Racing can only be successful if they have not only the best sailing team, but also the best design and development teams. By investing in state of the art commercial software to develop a cutting edge sailing boat, I believe the team will have a real advantage over the current cup holders.”
Sir Ben Ainslie explained: “To win the America’s Cup with a British team, to bring the America’s Cup home for the first time in its history would be the most amazing experience. It’s a sporting challenge, it’s a technical challenge and it’s about bringing a large group of people together designing, building and then racing the fastest boat possible.”
The 35th match for the America’s Cup will be in 2017, raced in 62 foot foiling catamarans, with the venue due to be announced shortly. Ben Ainslie Racing will be challenging current Cup holders Oracle Team USA.
In June this year, Ben Ainslie Racing announced plans to build its high tech UK HQ in Portsmouth, aiming to be a showcase for sport, innovation, technology and sustainability.
