Achievements & Funding

Programme: Eurostars 3 Public Call within the EUREKA Initiative for the 2025-2029 period

Project acronym: FIRE-VR

AFormX d.o.o., aviation technology and fine mechanics, has successfully secured co-financing under the Eurostars 3 Public Call within the EUREKA Initiative for the implementation of the project Next-Generation Immersive Simulation and Advanced Cockpit Technologies for Safer and More Effective Aerial Firefighting.

Project objective

The objective of the project is to develop a new generation of virtual training and advanced cockpit technologies for safer and more effective aerial firefighting.

Expected result

The main result of the project will be the development of a comprehensive platform for pilot training and firefighting aircraft development. The platform will combine an advanced VR/XR simulator, a digital twin, and innovative HMI solutions for new and existing amphibious firefighting aircraft.

Project partners

• Lead partner: AFormX, aviation technology and fine mechanics d.o.o. (Slovenia)
• Partner: Novotech Aerospace Advanced Technology Srl (Italy)

Project duration: 1 March 2026 – 28 February 2029

Total project value: EUR 1,248,957.00
Total co-financing: EUR 734,144.88
Co-financing for the Slovenian partner: EUR 334,144.88

The project is co-financed by the Republic of Slovenia and the European Union.

More information is available on the EU funding portal.

AFormX d.o.o., aviation technology and fine mechanics, has successfully applied for the public call Incentives for the Digital Transformation of SMEs (P4D 2025) with the project Digital Transformation of AFormX d.o.o.

The digital transformation project represents a comprehensive transition from fragmented, manual, and disconnected processes to a modern, digitally supported business environment. The transformation is based on the implementation of an ERP system, advanced data infrastructure, production digitalisation, and the introduction of systems for automated data capture and analysis.

Project objectives:

• Establish a centralized ERP system with modules for CRM, production management, inventory, and project management

• Introduce digital tracking of work orders and employee attendance, and automate payroll data preparation

• Digitize monitoring of climatic conditions in production using the EXACTUM system

• Upgrade IT equipment and server infrastructure (Proxmox server)

• Train employees in the use of new digital tools across departments (administration, development, production, commercial)

• Reduce bureaucracy, increase traceability and transparency of production processes, and raise employee added value

• Improve overall user experience

The project also includes the acquisition of key CAD/CAM software licenses (SolidWorks, SolidCAM, PDM, Rhino 8), enabling faster development, better system integration, and increased productivity. The digital transformation will contribute to the company’s long-term growth, improved user experience, and increased competitiveness in international aviation and simulator markets.

The eligibility period for public expenditure is from 1 October 2024 to 20 February 2026.

The total value of the operation amounts to EUR 241,285.10, while EU co-financing amounts to EUR 100,000.00.

The project is co-financed by the Republic of Slovenia and the European Union from the European Regional Development Fund.

More information is available on the EU funding portal: https://evropskasredstva.si/

AFormX has successfully obtained the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management and ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management certifications.

These certifications confirm our commitment to:

• delivering consistent quality and reliability in aerospace composite manufacturing and simulator development,

• operating with environmental responsibility while pursuing innovation in aviation.

They represent an important milestone in our long-term strategy of excellence, sustainability, and trust with our partners and clients.

This project was co-financed under the V3 – Voucher for Obtaining Certificates.
The investment is co-financed by the Republic of Slovenia and the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund.

Through this voucher, AFormX d.o.o. successfully obtained the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management and ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management certifications, strengthening our commitment to excellence, sustainability, and innovation in the aerospace sector.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

The purpose of developing the basic aerial firefighting simulator is to ensure conditions for regular pilot training on the simulator, even during periods without active fires, thereby improving safety, efficiency, and durability of training.

The simulator we will develop will enable:

• simulation of demanding low-level flight conditions with heavy aircraft in complex atmospheric environments without risk of accidents,

• safe testing of various operational procedures, such as water scooping and dropping,

• optimisation of training costs by reducing the need for real flights, thus reducing fuel consumption, emissions, and aircraft wear,

• contribution to the circular economy by developing a lighter, more energy-efficient, and more recyclable simulator.

Through this project, we address the following sustainability challenges:

• Environmental challenges: consumption of aviation fuel (kerosene), oil consumption (during flight and maintenance), oil emissions, oily waste, noise pollution of the natural environment, optimisation of material composition of the simulator (steel-aluminium), and use of non-recyclable plastics;

• Social challenges: safety of flight crews and uninterrupted training;

• Economic challenges: simulator availability in the wider region for cooperation with professional organisations.

Results upon project completion:

• digital model of the AT802 aircraft created,

• basic hardware equipment of the simulator completed,

• report on VR and computer equipment integration testing into the simulator prepared,

• functioning prototype developed,

• test training conducted.

Program duration: 1.6.2025 to 31.12.2025.

Total program budget: €183,646.02

EU funding: €89,986.55

The investment is part of the measures of the Slovenian Recovery and Resilience Plan, funded by the EU Recovery and Resilience Mechanism (website: www.noo.gov.si and www.evropskasredstva.si).

AFormX d.o.o. Begins Phase A Implementation

AFormX d.o.o. has successfully been included in Phase A – Lot I of the Public Tender “Support for Startups, Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Strategic, Sustainable, and Circular Transformation Business Models 2022-2025,” as part of the Recovery and Resilience Mechanism (tender acronym: JR STKTP NOO 2022-2025).

The purpose of the public tender is to provide professional and financial support to startups, micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises during the intensive process of sustainable and circular business transformation. The focus is on achieving strategic objectives such as efficient resource utilization, circular economy practices, reducing negative or increasing positive impacts on the climate and environment, society, and the economic community, and consequently improving the productivity and competitiveness of companies.

As part of the program’s Academy (Phase A), we have the opportunity to work under the guidance of an expert, Dr. Nenad Savić, to develop:

• a long-term, 4-5 year sustainable and circular business strategy for the company,
• sustainable and circular-oriented business models, and
• an implementation project that will contribute to the realization of the company’s sustainable and circular business strategy.

Project Duration: 10/2024 – 03/2025
Total Program Budget: €34,770.00
EU Funding: €34,770.00

This investment is part of the measures under the Slovenian plan financed by the Recovery and Resilience Mechanism (website: www.noo.gov.si and www.evropskasredstva.si).

AFormX is proud to be featured in the FF4EuroHPC Success Story, showcasing our contributions to advancing structural designs in sustainable aviation. This project was a collaboration between AFormX, ElevonX, and the University of Maribor, each bringing unique expertise to the initiative.

Organizations Involved:

• AFormX: An SME specializing in composite airframes and providing simulations for sustainable aviation OEMs.
• ElevonX: A developer and producer of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) with a focus on systems in the 25 kg take-off range.
• University of Maribor: Provided expertise in Finite Element Method (FEM) simulations and supported the deployment of the workflow on HPC.

 

The Challenge:

With the electrification of aircraft, the industry faces significant changes in design due to airflow control and flight dynamics around electric powertrains. These changes demand innovative structural frames, including frames, bulkheads, spars, and skins, to meet new aerodynamic requirements. AFormX and ElevonX identified a business opportunity to provide early structural analysis for sustainable aviation projects, supported by the FF4EuroHPC experiment.

 

The Solution:

The solution developed was a high-performance computing (HPC)-based workflow designed for the aviation market. The workflow utilizes results from CFD simulations as boundary conditions for FEM simulations, allowing for efficient exploration of various structural designs. With 128 processors, the workflow can analyze a single design in just 20 hours of computing effort. This service is now positioned to assist OEMs and suppliers in improving the efficiency and quality of their designs.

 

Impact and Benefits:

• Business Growth: AFormX secured tentative orders exceeding €200,000 for the new service.
• Collaboration: Strengthened partnerships with OEMs and fostered deeper connections with new ones.
• Cost Savings: The HPC workflow allows OEMs to save up to €100,000 per aircraft unit by reducing material use, assembly time, and weight, which improves overall performance.
• Green Transition: Supports the design of cleaner, more efficient aircraft, accelerating aviation’s electrification and sustainability goals.
• SME Empowerment: Demonstrated that smaller enterprises can adopt affordable HPC workflows, enhancing competitiveness in high-tech industries.

This success story highlights AFormX’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in aviation. For more details, visit the FF4EuroHPC Success Stories page here.

Program Duration and Details:

• Name of the Project: More Skilled Hands for Hi-tech Production
• Acronym: CompoWIN
• Start Date: 1. 11. 2020
• End Date: 31. 10. 2022
• Duration: 24 months
• Programme: Erasmus+ / KA2 Strategic Partnerships in VET

 

The CompoWIN project, co-financed by the EU, focuses on addressing the skills gap in the composite industry by creating a comprehensive and effective training system for future composite fabricators. Despite its high value, the composite industry, which employs skilled workers in the production of aircraft components, sports equipment, and more, has been underrepresented in the educational system due to the secrecy surrounding production techniques.

Key Objectives:

• Development of a Training System:
  The project will provide vocational education and training (VET) teachers with the necessary resources to teach composite manufacturing techniques. This includes lesson plans, training materials, and self-assessment exercises, integrated with compohub.eu’s existing e-courses.
• National Vocational Standards:
  For the first time, the project will introduce a national vocational standard for composite fabricators in Slovenia, Bulgaria, and Croatia, laying the foundation for further EU-wide adoption.
• Sustainability and Industry Growth:
  CompoWIN ensures long-term sustainability by encouraging the industry to continuously adapt and update the training content to meet evolving needs, even after EU funding ends.

 

Benefits for the Industry:

• Training for SMEs in the Composite Sector:
  SMEs in the composite manufacturing industry will have access to training that aligns with the latest techniques and technologies in composite fabrication.
• Support for Other Manufacturing Sectors:
  Traditional manufacturing sectors, such as woodworking and metalworking, will be able to reskill their workforce to diversify into composite manufacturing.
• Wider Adoption Across Europe:
  With a unified vocational standard, the project will help ensure that skills in composite fabrication are recognized across national borders, benefiting workers and businesses in the EU.

 

By providing a training system that leads to national qualifications and encouraging a standardized approach to skills in composite manufacturing, CompoWIN is setting the stage for a more skilled and competitive workforce in the composite industry.

Program Duration and Details:

• Name of the Project: Skilled Hands for Hi-tech Production
• Acronym: CompoHUB
• Start Date: 1. 9. 2015
• End Date: 31. 8. 2017
• Duration: 24 months
• Programme: Erasmus+ / KA2 Strategic Partnerships in VET

 

The CompoHUB project, co-financed by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union, aims to bridge the skills gap in the composite manufacturing industry. This initiative focuses on developing a comprehensive training system tailored for individuals transitioning from traditional manufacturing sectors, such as woodworking and textiles, into composite fabrication.

 

Key Objectives:

• Development of a Holistic Training Program: Creating an integrated curriculum that addresses the specific needs of individuals seeking to acquire skills in composite manufacturing.
• Establishment of a Composite HUB: Forming a strategic partnership among research organizations, composite manufacturers, and vocational education and training (VET) providers to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange.
• Creation of an Online Learning Platform: Developing an open-source e-learning platform to deliver training materials, enabling widespread access and customization to meet diverse market demands.

 

Innovative Approach:

The project introduces an innovative training program that combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, ensuring that participants are well-prepared for the evolving demands of the composite manufacturing industry. By leveraging the existing skills of workers from traditional sectors, the program facilitates a smooth transition into the composite industry, addressing the current shortage of skilled labor.

 

Sustainability and Impact:

CompoHUB is designed to be self-sustaining, with the industry continuously adapting and updating the training content to align with technological advancements and market needs. This approach ensures the long-term relevance and effectiveness of the training program, contributing to the growth and competitiveness of the composite manufacturing sector.

For more information and access to the training materials, please visit the CompoHUB website.