The companies Pixel sur Mer and MDS have joined forces to launch Exocet FlyingShape, a sail shape measurement solution based on LIDAR technology. This technology finally makes it possible to visualize, measure and optimize what until now was a matter of intuition and perception: the real shape of sails at sea. This innovative, fully integrated system is designed to meet the growing needs of professional competitive sailing, high-performance yachting and wind-assisted shipping.
Who are Pixel sur Mer and MDS- Design?
Pixel sur Mer designs, develops and installs high-tech on-board electronic systems for ocean racing, yachting, shipping, defense and aeronautics.
Thanks to an integrated design office, a field integration department and a specialized fiber optic unit, the company masters the entire technology chain: voltage measurement, data acquisition, intelligent processing, automation (equipment, propulsion, piloting) and safety on board.
Its EXOCET range includes high-performance solutions for data management, navigation, flight control, autopilot and safety at sea. For over 17 years, Pixel sur Mer has been supporting the most innovative projects, in France and abroad, offering its customers a single point of contact, recognized for its rigor, responsiveness and ability to adapt to demanding environments.
For its part, MDS-Design, founded by Benjamin Muyl, Loughlin Dudley and Mathéo Sacaze, builds on the experience gained by Benjamin Muyl Design in more than 17 years in the America’s Cup and offshore racing.
MDS provides consulting, research and design services in the fields of naval architecture, aero-hydrodynamics, performance prediction and data analysis. MDS develops and markets a range of performance prediction software called “Meta”, which covers in particular the design of appendages, the prediction and optimization of static and dynamic performance, as well as the simulation of virtual and mixed reality. MDS is also developing the core of the “Exocet FlyingShape” sail measurement solution.
A new dimension for sail adjustment and design
In the demanding world of modern sailing, a good understanding of the actual behavior of sails is a strategic factor for performance. A true technological innovation, Exocet FlyingShape allows real-time visualization of the exact shape of the sails during navigation. Thanks to the dynamic reconstruction of the 3D “shell”, crews can adjust the sails with unprecedented precision.
LiDAR sensors on board continuously scan the sail. The data is processed by the Exocet FlyingShape computer, which shapes the shape of the sail and provides key indicators such as the depth of the sail’s camber, its position relative to the leading edge (luff) and the twist of the sail (twist).
By correlating on-board adjustments, theoretical shapes and actual measurements at sea, the Exocet FlyingShape establishes a direct link between sail shape and performance. The crews thus gain reliability in the adjustment of the sails by refining and comparing the measured data with the reference models.
Usable both at sea and on land, in real time or post-processed, this data is a strategic asset for sail fitters, naval architects, design offices and sail manufacturers. They accelerate the development of new sails, enrich digital models and contribute to overall performance optimization.
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A collaboration based on complementarity
The Exocet FlyingShape was born out of a common observation: the lack of a reliable interface between the adjustments made on board and the performance simulation models. This “missing link”, now completed, is the result of a collaboration between two complementary partners, whose relationship dates back more than 20 years, since the America’s Cup:
Pixel sur Mer, an expert in embedded electronic systems, is responsible for the development, industrialization and hardware integration of the product, as well as its marketing, distribution and long-term maintenance. The Exocet FlyingShape is fully integrated into its proprietary EXOCET range, dedicated to smart navigation.
MDS Design, a recognized specialist in naval architecture, aero-hydrodynamic modeling and performance prediction, designed the software core of the Exocet FlyingShape solution, integrating advanced analysis and reconstruction algorithms.
A highly compatible and adaptable technological solution for the sail of the future
The Exocet FlyingShape is a “plug & play” solution designed for rapid deployment on board. Integrated into the Exocet ecosystem and combined with Exocet Blue, Exocet FlyingShape offers a complete solution: live and dynamic visualization, data correlated with on-board sensors, and easy real-time and offline processing. The solution is also compatible with market-leading navigation and data acquisition systems, which will be able to use the raw data processed by the system. MDS will be able to provide a post-navigation processing solution for data from the Exocet FlyingShape system.
Designed to meet the specific requirements of different markets, Exocet FlyingShape addresses three main user families:
- Offshore races and professional circuits (Imoca, Ultim, TP52, etc.)
- Sailing yachts and superyachts
- Sailing boats
The Exocet FlyingShape paves the way for automatic sail adjustment, providing reliable and continuous data, essential for the development of intelligent steering and control systems.
“We developed the Exocet FlyingShape solution to enable crews to adjust their sails more precisely and rationally, while providing design bureaus and sail designers with useful data for their models. With the Exocet FlyingShape, every adjustment has a strategic value: better sail handling means better sailing. Exocet FlyingShape is the embodiment of our ambition: to make state-of-the-art, reliable and sustainable technologies accessible to push the boundaries of performance at sea.” Jean-Francois Cuzon, co-founder and CEO of Pixel sur Mer
“Exocet FlyingShape, a set of “plug and play” products and services for measuring sails, is the result of the association between two complementary entities. While MDS masters performance prediction and simulation, Pixel sur Mer brings its expertise in the field of on-board electronics and industrial products. Together, we offer a ready-to-use solution designed for tomorrow’s sailors and engineers.”
Benjamin Muyl, co-partner MDS
LiDAR Technology
LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a measurement technology that uses laser light to measure distances with high accuracy. LiDAR technology, widely adopted in autonomous vehicles, allows the mapping of the environment in three dimensions with high accuracy. It detects and measures the distances of surrounding objects. This innovation plays a key role in the development of intelligent vehicles capable of interacting effectively with the environment.
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