CERTI A, the centre for applied industrial techniques research established in 1987, is the market leader in the design and production of test benches for the aerospace (70%) and automotive (30%) industries. We work with the leading aerospace equipment manufacturers and have been involved in all Airbus's major projects, in particular the test benches for the A380's main actuators, states Achour Debiane, Consulting and R&D Manager. Two years ago, CERTI A created an expertise and consulting division designed to make its support and virtual testing know-how available to aerospace manufacturers. The future lies in virtual test platforms which are more cost-effective and offer faster lead times and more efficient risk control, explains Achour Debiane. With Aircelle, CERTI A responded to a call for projects for a virtual platform applied to the new-generation thrust reversers. CERTI A is also involved in a hybrid systems real-time surveillance, diagnostics and forecasting project in partnership with LAAS-CNRS.

We have been part of the ASTech Paris Region cluster for two years and one of our ambitions is to be involved in running the test methods group, says Achour Debiane. The Paris region company also wants to speed up its international development, particularly in Europe, North Africa and India.