by Joy Finnegan | Aug 18, 2023 | Avionics
Safety-critical operating systems and tools supplier DDC-I announced that its DO-178C Design Assurance Level A Deos multicore real time operating system (RTOS) has been selected by General Electric to host its new flight management system. GE’s FACE-aligned TrueCourse Common Flight Management Application is hosted on GE touchscreen Open Display Platform (ODP), developed using the Deos RTOS and tools, employs applications leveraging CoreAVI OpenGL SC graphics, a ProtoLogic EDS display platform hardware and software, and Ansys display software to deliver best in class multi-core performance, configurability, modularity, scalability and reuse.
“DDC-I has been at the forefront of the FACE standardization effort, and has an unmatched pedigree with millions of hours of flight logged aboard commercial and military aircraft,” said Greg Rose, vice president of marketing at DDC-I. “We look forward to continue working with GE and its partners to provide this world class integrated, certifiable, FACE-aligned, multicore flight management platform that offers optimum performance, modularity, scalability, safety criticality, and display capabilities.”
GE’s Open Display Platform (ODP) product line provides mission system implementations with smart and dumb Cockpit Display System (CDS) configurations using a common architecture to support a wide range of display applications, including a smart open display platform, control display units (CDUs), primary flight display (PFDs) multi-function displays (MFDs), and large area displays (LADs). The smart ODP can host applications developed by GE, 3rd parties, or customers. Apps can range from Navigation/Guidance functions (like GE’s TrueCourse™ Common FMA), lighting, air management, store selection/interface, maps/weather, standby flight, PFD, MFD and other functionality. (Avionics Display Systems | GE Aerospace)
GE’s Open Display Platform (ODP) provides a platform that integrates GE’s advanced TrueCourse™ Common FMA and other Avionics applications in a MOSA/FACE environment. GE’s TrueCourse™ is a modern Flight Management System (FMS) that delivers all the operational benefits sought by today’s operators and is ready to adopt future capabilities that are sure to come. Designed for accuracy, connectivity, and to optimize flight paths, GE’s flight management systems consistently reduce time, fuel consumption, and emissions. (Avionics Flight Management Systems | GE Aerospace).
The Deos RTOS and its tools provide the foundation for the GE flight management platform, employing patented cache partitioning, memory pools, and safe scheduling to deliver higher multi-core CPU utilization than any other certifiable safety-critical COTS RTOS. First certified to DO-178 DAL A in 1998, Deos provides FACE Conformant Safety Base and Safety Extended Profiles that feature hard real-time response, time and space partitioning, and Rate Monotonic, ARINC-653 and POSIX interfaces. SafeMC technology extends Deos’ advanced capabilities to multiple cores, enabling GE’s flight management platform to achieve best in class multi-core performance without compromising safety critical task response and guaranteed execution time.
The GE flight management platform also features ProtoLogic EDS’s ruggedized AMLCD displays. Fully integrated with Deos and CoreAVI OpenGL SC graphics, the high-resolution, sunlight readable displays incorporate a high-performance CPU/GPU, video processor, analog/digital interfaces and data I/O processors in an expandable open architecture. The display system is fully certifiable (DO-178/254), supports FACE, OpenGL, MOSA, SOSA, HOST custom and industry standards, and can withstand the harshest environments (DO-160/MIL-STD-810/461/462).
by Joy Finnegan | Aug 2, 2023 | Avionics
DornerWorks, an engineering firm specializing in secure embedded electronics development, and DDC-I, a supplier of software and professional services for mission- and safety-critical applications, announced advanced high assurance for mission and safety-critical applications. Without foundational security, mission and safety-critical applications can be put at great risk. By porting DDC-I’s Deos operating system as a guest OS on the seL4 microkernel, DornerWorks is enabling a new level of advanced security against emerging threats alongside safety-critical real-time responsiveness, enhanced performance and flexibility.
Deos from DDC-I, is a safety-critical embedded real-time operating system (RTOS), and has a proven track record of delivering higher CPU utilization through patented cache partitioning, memory pools, and safe scheduling. First certified to DO-178 DAL A in 1998, Deos provides Rate Monotonic, ARINC-653 and POSIX interfaces plus conformance to the FACE Safety Base and Safety Extended Profiles. Its space partitioning and resource allocation enforcement provide inherent isolation and a secure system design. With support for multi-core operation, industry-standard APIs and modular boot code, Deos improves performance and lowers the risk of critical applications with an easier path to certification. Its compatibility with 3rd party security software allows for seamless integration of encryption, secure networking, and key management.
seL4, the formally verified microkernel, provides a solid foundation for secure and modular software systems. Its virtual machine monitor (VMM) functionality enables the hosting of virtual machines supporting asymmetric multiprocessing (AMP), symmetric multiprocessing (SMP), or a hybrid of both. This allows for the implementation of diverse software architectures using different operating systems while maintaining robust security.
By running DDC-I’s Deos as a guest OS on the seL4 microkernel, DornerWorks empowers organizations with modernized software systems for the US Warfighter. The combination of Deos’ safety-critical features and seL4’s formal verification enhances ease of use, portability, and modularity, all while ensuring robust security.
“DornerWorks is committed to delivering innovative solutions that meet the demanding requirements of mission and safety-critical applications,” says Dr. Gregg Wildes, PhD., DornerWorks business development leader. “By supporting DDC-I’s Deos as a guest OS on the seL4 microkernel, we provide our customers with a powerful combination of safety, security, and flexibility that enables them to build higher assurance systems.”
“Deos, with its industry leading safety-critical RTOS pedigree, running atop the seL4 microkernel provides a security enhanced platform for mission-critical software,” said Greg Rose, vice president of Marketing at DDC-I. “We are very excited to be working with DornerWorks to offer the aerospace and defense market an integrated multicore platform that delivers a best-in-class secure microkernel and hosts our DO-178C verified RTOS alongside other guest operating systems for maximum software portability.”
The collaboration between DornerWorks, DDC-I, and seL4 microkernel showcases the commitment to accelerate innovation and advance high-assurance systems. Organizations can further leverage DornerWorks’ VM Composer tool to easily configure platforms to their operational requirements, unlocking the benefits of the seL4 microkernel without vendor lock-in.
by Joy Finnegan | Jun 29, 2023 | Avionics, Flight Ops IT, Innovation
Honeywell has reached an agreement with Saab, a Swedish aerospace and defense company, to acquire its heads-up-display (HUD) assets for use in a variety of Honeywell avionics offerings. As part of the acquisition agreement, Saab will partner with Honeywell to develop and strengthen its HUD product line. HUDs give pilots increased situational awareness, especially at night or in difficult weather conditions. Passengers will also enjoy safer and more fuel-efficient flights, while more often reaching their destinations on time.
The addition of the HUD assets will further strengthen Honeywell’s comprehensive end-to-end avionics and safety offerings. Importantly, the HUDs will be integrated into Honeywell Anthem, a new revolutionary integrated flight deck with an intuitive user interface and highly scalable design, which will also feature state-of-the art characteristics such as wide field-of-view, high image resolution, low system latency and lower weight. It will also be made available for Honeywell Primus Epic flight decks and standalone retrofit solutions.
“Heads-up displays are an essential offering for the aviation industry and have been known to reduce pilot workload, increase situational awareness, improve access to airports with Enhanced Flight Vision System and enhance safety,” said Vipul Gupta, vice president and general manager, Avionics, Honeywell Aerospace. “The addition of HUDs as part of our wider avionics offerings will provide our customers in business aviation, air transport and defense segment a great safety tool that can be particularly useful during takeoff and landing, which are typically the most crucial parts of any flight.”
“Saab believes that this agreement further establishes Saab and Honeywell as long-term partners and increases greater market opportunities,” says Carl-Johan Bergholm, senior vice president and head of Saab´s business area Surveillance.”
The main purpose of HUDs is to make it as easy as possible for pilots to see and absorb their necessary flight or mission details. This allows them to remain “head-up and eyes-out,” instead of looking down or away from what is occurring around them, thus reducing the risk of safety incidents. Also, as part of an Enhanced Flight Vision System, HUDs enable pilots to take off and land at lower minima and thus avoid go-arounds and diversions.
The HUD solution will be available as a retrofit or forward-fit option. Paired with Honeywell’s industry-leading heads-down solutions, the HUD addition will enable Honeywell to offer a harmonized cockpit to customers.
The completion of the transaction is subject to certain closing conditions including the accomplishment of certain development milestones.
by Joy Finnegan | Jun 28, 2023 | Avionics
Owning an aircraft with her pilot husband, Jill Plumb knows her way around aviation. As head of marketing for a regional fractional aircraft provider and an international aircraft broker, Plumb also knows what it’s like to be on the client side of an agency relationship. In joining Greteman Group as a brand manager, she brings all of that knowledge and experience to the aviation-focused marketing agency.
“Jill sees the big picture in terms of strategy development, project organization and measurable performance,” says Ashley Bowen Cook, president. “Her insights, coming from the client side of marketing, are invaluable to our entire team. She’s a great advocate for their interests and helps us produce creative and campaigns that move the needle.”
Her background in marketing began with a degree from Missouri State University, eventually leading her to head communications, marketing and managing customer service specialists at a Kansas City-based fractional aircraft ownership company that helps businesses and individuals with private aviation solutions.
She went on to head marketing and sales management for an international aircraft broker, building strategic domestic and international marketing initiatives with business aircraft owners and operators. Taking phone calls and responding to queries regardless of whether it was business hours in California or Asia.
“Working with this marketing partner, I’ve seen firsthand the impactful work that Greteman Group has delivered over the years,” said Plumb. “Joining this team is such a natural fit to help other brands realize those benefits.”
Plumb is a Spouse Forum member of Kansas City Young Presidents Organization and has been active in National Business Aviation Association and International Aircraft Dealers Association activities and events.
by Joy Finnegan | Jun 22, 2023 | Avionics
Universal Avionics (UA), a leading manufacturer of innovative commercial avionics, has been selected by Amelia to provide Flight Management System (FMS) upgrades for its fleet of 13 Embraer jets. This modification will allow the airline to meet operational airspace requirements while enabling complex procedures.
The installation includes a dual UNS-1Lw FMS configuration, replacing previously fitted UNS-1K Flight Management Systems. The STC issued by EASA allows Amelia to upgrade aircraft to the latest Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS) FMS model, which provides operators with precision navigation for increased reliability and advanced capabilities. The later addition of a Localizer Performance and Vertical Guidance (LPV) monitor will bring additional efficiencies, enabling LPV approaches with a descent as low as 200-250 feet above the runway.
“Universal offers us the possibility to upgrade our ERJ 135/145 fleet with a “plug and play” solution in order to prepare our fleet for LPV approaches, allowing us to continue to operate our ERJ fleet for the next decades,” said Guillaume Beurnaux, head of compliance at Amelia.
Two Embraer ERJ 135s and one ERJ 145 will be modified this year, with the rest of the fleet to follow.
“As more airports adopt NextGen performance-based navigation routes and procedures, modernizing the aircraft becomes necessary to maintain sustainable and efficient operations,” said Dror Yahav, chief executive officer of Universal Avionics. “Amelia will benefit from continued operations and enhanced safety in low visibility conditions, with more access to smaller airports for regional airline customers.”
by Joy Finnegan | Jun 21, 2023 | Avionics
Greene Tweed, a manufacturer of high-performance sealing solutions and engineered components, introduces the new Canted Coil MSE (metal spring energized) sealing solution, designed to further reduce power loss and improve precision movement without sacrificing leakage control or durability. The seals offer broad chemical compatibility and resistance to extreme temperatures, pressure, and wear.
Greene Tweed devoted two years of design development and in-house testing to lead the industry in not only friction reduction but also sealing in the most challenging low temperature applications. Benchmark testing against some of the top performing spring energized seals highlighted the compromise in performance at extreme temperatures.
Low friction at higher temperatures resulted in high leakage at low temperatures. Prioritizing leakage control at low temperatures resulted in higher friction. Greene Tweed’s new canted coil demonstrated a friction improvement of up to 61% across a wide temperature range while improving leakage control up to 74% especially at lower temperatures. Moreover, unlike an elastomer seal, the MSE seals don’t suffer compression set even when exposed to extreme temperatures. Another benefit to the Canted Coil design is even as the sealing material wears away, the sealing and friction performance remains consistent.
All of this makes the new Canted Coil MSE ideal for a variety of aerospace applications, such as: in Engine and Fuel Systems, Hydraulic and Pneumatic Systems, Flight Actuation Systems, Pan and Tilt Systems, and Propeller Actuation and Electric Propulsion Systems.
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