Greene Tweed Highlights Xycomp DLF High-Performance Thermoplastic Composite Aerospace Brackets

Greene Tweed is highlighting the availability of Xycomp DLF high-performance thermoplastic composite aerospace brackets, which the company says can endure the substantial demands of aerospace environments while offering significant weight savings over metallic parts. Greene Tweed aerospace production components have been flying since 2011 and at 35 to 60 percent lighter than competitive metallic components, the brackets are an excellent replacement for metal materials.

Greene Tweed’s proprietary compression molding system provides high performance solutions with increased part complexity. The aerospace brackets, which are used to join structural elements together, provide support, and hold essential components firmly in place, can now be produced in complex-contour shapes for near-net, intricate geometry with molded-in features such as bushings or attachment points.

The material meets fire, smoke, and toxicity (FST) safety requirements for interior aerospace parts, and offers excellent resistance to aerospace solvents, high temperatures, and high vibrations for extended component life. In addition, Xycomp DLF brackets can be recycled upon removal from an aircraft.

DDC-I Completes Multicore DO-178C Verification for ARM and PowerPC

DDC-I, a leading supplier of software and professional services for mission- and safety-critical applications, announced that it has completed multicore DO-178C verification to Design Assurance Level A (DAL A) for its Deos DO-178C safety-critical real-time operating system (RTOS) on multiple ARM and PowerPC processors. Deos now provides an off-the-shelf set of DAL-A artifacts for a broad range of ARM and PowerPC multicore processors, including the PowerPC e6500 core and the ARM-based Xilinx Zynq Ultrascale+ MPSoC, NXP QorIQ, Layerscape, S32 (automotive), and iMX processor families. This is the second verified baseline of DDC-I’s multicore kernel technology to DO-178C DAL-A. Verification for Intel’s I7 Tiger Lake and Texas Instruments’ Jacinto are planned for release in the next verified baseline.

“DDC-I has been at the forefront of DO-178C multicore technology development, standardization and verification, with an emphasis on satisfying the CAST-32A and AMC 20-193 objectives for safety-critical operation,” said Greg Rose, vice president of marketing at DDC-I. “Further, Deos takes a different approach to multicore processing versus other certifiable RTOSs by providing technology to reduce cross core interference rather than relying on draconian safety nets as the primary bounding mechanism. Our unique multicore features enable our customers to achieve the highest level of safety-critical operation in the gamut of avionics applications from highly deterministic FADECs and flight controls, to complex high throughput displays and mission computers.”

Deos is a safety-critical embedded RTOS that uses patented technology to deliver the highest possible CPU utilization on multi-core processors. First certified to DO-178 DAL A in 1998, Deos features hard real-time response, time and space partitioning, ARINC-653 and POSIX interfaces and conformance to the FACE™ technical specification v3.1 for the Safety Extended and Safety Base Profiles. With an emphasis on safety-critical multicore applications, Deos scales well for all compute- and I/O intensive avionics applications such as those requiring data fusion, and other advanced control and sensor functionality.

DDC-I’s SafeMC technology extends Deos’ advanced capabilities to multiple cores, enabling developers of safety-critical systems to achieve best in class multicore performance without compromising safety-critical task response and guaranteed execution time. SafeMC employs a bound multiprocessing (BMP) architecture, safe scheduling, and cache partitioning to minimize cross-core contention and interference patterns that affect the performance, safety and certifiability of multi-core systems. The patented cache partitioning technology is unique to Deos and enables L2/L3 cache segregation at a per-application level. This feature bounds cache jitter to dramatically improve worse-case execution times. Then as a final line of defense against run-bound operation, customers can employ the safety nets of bandwidth restriction for resource over utilization, which protects against catastrophic error conditions. These features enable avionics system developers to address issues that could impact the integrity, safety, performance, and the burden associated with the certification of a multi-core airborne system.

CoreAVI Provides DO-254 Safety Data Package and DTR (Dynamic Temperature Range) Screened Versions of 11th Gen Intel Core i7 Processor for Avionics and High Reliability Markets

Core Avionics & Industrial Inc. (CoreAVI) announced the availability of Dynamic Temperature Range (DTR) screening and DO-254 safety certification package, with the 11th Gen Intel Core i7 processor to support military, aerospace, urban air mobility and other high reliability markets. CoreAVI will provide special DTR-screened versions of the 11th Gen Intel Core i7 processor with thermal throttling fused off to ensure deterministic operation. The Intel Airworthiness Evidence Package (Intel AEP) – a DO-254 data package created by Intel to support their hardware’s safety certification – is also available from CoreAVI.

In addition, CoreAVI provides their safety critical software portfolio capable of achieving RTCA DO-178C DAL A. CoreAVI’s support for the 11th Gen Intel Core i7 processor includes its VkCore SC Vulkan SCTM- based graphics and compute driver, VkCoreGL SC1/SC2 OpenGL SCTM1 and OpenGL SCTM2 libraries, TrueCoreTM GPU safety monitor, ComputeCoreTM libraries that provide a safety critical framework to support accelerated GPU compute, vision systems and safe AI, as well as EncodeCore and DecodeCore H.265/H.264 encode and decode libraries. CoreAVI’s safety critical software stack combined with the 11th Gen Intel Core hardware enables a low-risk, safety certifiable graphics and compute platform with excellent performance per watt that scales across a wide range of application requirements such as mission computers, autonomous systems, and augmented vision and detection systems with 20+ years longevity of supply.

The 11th Gen Intel Core processor incorporates the Intel Iris Xe graphics. With up to 4 CPU cores, 4 X 4K displays and extended temperature ratings, the Intel Core i7-1186GRE processors from Intel’s embedded roadmap offers scalable power, anti-malware hardware (CET) enhanced security, and the high-performance gains ideal for the advanced parallel processing required in today’s avionics and industrial applications.

“We are proud of this collaboration with Intel that allows us to provide DTR screened versions of 11th Gen Intel Core processors and support for DO-254 to effectively enable our customers,” said Dan Joncas, chief sales and marketing officer at CoreAVI. “Our extensive software suite paired with the processing power of the 11th Gen Intel Core i7 processor provides integrators with the complete set of tools they need to reach the highest levels of safety criticality in airborne applications.”

“Customers creating next generation mission critical computers need to improve program risk, development costs and timelines,” said Ian Ferguson VP Marketing and Strategic Alliances, Lynx Software Technologies. “We feel that our partnership with CoreAVI around the creation and delivery of software and hardware certification packages for 11th Gen Intel Core processors is critical to enabling this.”

“We view the screening of DTR function within Intel’s 11th Gen SoC as critical for many use cases within the avionics industry,” said Peter Mueller, VP EPC Modules at Kontron. “DTR screening is supported by Kontron’s COMe cTL6 module and we pride ourselves in providing our customers with best in modern aerospace technology for their next-gen safety critical applications.”

Vietnam Airlines Signs a Memorandum of Understanding with Boeing to Purchase 50 Boeing 737 MAX

Vietnam Airlines announced its intention to purchase 50 narrow-body Boeing 737-8s in a multi-billion-dollar deal. The announcement coincides with U. S. President Joe Biden’s visit to Vietnam for key talks on trade and closer diplomatic relations. 

“In line with Vietnam Airlines’ 2025-2030 fleet strategy and vision for 2035, aircraft investment is a crucial strategy that underpins the momentum of the airline’s recovery and supports a prosperous outlook,” Dang Ngoc Hoa, chairman of the board of directors of Vietnam Airlines said. “The new narrow-body fleet will allow us to expand our high-quality services on Vietnam Airlines’ domestic and Asian routes, as well as further modernizing our fuel-efficient fleet.”

“Southeast Asia is one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets, and the 737 MAX is the perfect airplane for Vietnam Airlines to efficiently meet regional demand,” said Brad McMullen, senior vice president Boeing Commercial sales and marketing. “We value our historic partnership with Vietnam Airlines, dating back to 1995 when the airline first leased 767s.”

U.S. and Vietnam officials said the announcement will bolster jobs in both countries and strengthen the bilateral economic partnership. Building on Boeing’s long history of collaboration with Vietnam’s civil aviation industry, the carrier’s 737 MAX fleet will support the country’s goal of becoming a leading aviation hub.

Growing demand for single-aisle aircraft has driven Vietnam Airlines to acquire an additional 60 aircrafts by 2030 and about 100 aircrafts by 2035, including the Boeing 737 MAX, which has between 150 and 230 seats. Over 1,150 aircrafts from the Boeing MAX family are used by 70 airlines worldwide. Vietnam Airlines boasts a fleet of 100 aircrafts, including 65 narrow-body aircrafts, serving 97 routes to 21 domestic and 29 international destinations, connecting Vietnam and the rest of the world.

Nominee for Administrator of the FAA Announced

President Joe Biden announced his intent to nominate Michael G. Whitaker to serve as Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration.

Michael G. Whitaker is currently the chief operating officer of Supernal, a Hyundai Motor Group company designing an electric advanced air mobility (AAM) vehicle. In this role, Whitaker overseas all commercial and key business operations. Whitaker served as Deputy Administrator at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) from 2013–2016. There, he brought industry and government together to drive the successful transition of the nation’s air traffic control system from radar to a satellite-enabled surveillance technology (ABS-B). Prior to Supernal and his tenure at the FAA, Whitaker served as Group CEO of InterGlobe Enterprises, India’s largest travel conglomerate and operator of its largest and most successful airline, IndiGo. There, he oversaw strategy and operations for four affiliate travel companies. Whitaker also spent 15 years at United Airlines in a variety of roles as director, vice president and senior vice president. His broad portfolio at the airline included commercial alliances and joint ventures, international and regulatory affairs, and strategic counsel to the chairman and CEO on international matters. Whitaker began his more than three-decade aviation career as a litigator, then as assistant general counsel of international and regulatory affairs at Trans World Airlines (TWA). He is a private pilot and holds a juris doctorate degree from Georgetown University Law Center. He serves on the board of the Flight Safety Foundation, a nonprofit that promotes aviation safety globally.

TTTech Aerospace’s Mature TTEthernet Network Solutions Enable Honeywell Anthem’s System Architecture

Aviation applications are more connected and more data-driven than ever before. Modern flight decks need to accommodate these needs and provide pilots with real-time information in an easily accessible and actionable format. Honeywell Anthem is a next-generation, modular and highly intuitive integrated flight deck that can be customized for virtually every type of aircraft, from passenger planes and business aircraft to defense, general aviation, and advanced air-mobility (AAM) vehicles. The highly intuitive and modular/scalable system architecture is enabled by TTTech Aerospace’s open standards-based high-performance TTEthernet network solution (implementing Deterministic Ethernet technology) guaranteeing safe, secure, and reliable data transfers in the avionics network.

“TTTech Aerospace’s open standards-based TTEthernet solution is a great fit for the data backbone network in Honeywell Anthem, as it enables faster integration, system and application software upgrades, and technology insertions for a future-proof platform thanks to its high performance, determinism, and modularity. TTTech Aerospace contributes not only certifiable switches and end systems but also development tools and test equipment enabling a shorter time-to-market for building a DAL A-level avionics network,” says Andrew Barker, vice president/general manager – avionics business enterprise at Honeywell Aerospace.

TTEthernet is a commercial implementation of deterministic ethernet that uniquely allows three traffic classes based on open international standards to use one physical medium without interference (standard ethernet according to IEEE 802.3, rate-constrained traffic according to ARINC 664 part 7, and time-triggered ethernet according to SAE AS6802). This ensures optimal use of bandwidth and guarantees that safety-critical messages (e.g., weather conditions, airport traffic news, system alerts) are transmitted at the pre-scheduled time while opening the rest of the available bandwidth for non-critical messages (e.g., video feeds or non-flight-critical apps). In the space sector, TTEthernet has also been baselined for deep space missions in the International Avionics System Interoperability Standards (IASIS) by NASA, ESA, CSA, and JAXA and is being implemented among others on NASA’s Gateway.

TTTech Aerospace’s TTEthernet offering for the aviation market is based on the main building blocks of the TTE-Switch Module A664 Pro and the TTE-End System A664 Core IP. It includes very powerful network configuration and qualifiable V&V software tools supporting the setup and integration of TTEthernet networks.

TTTech Group has been applying Deterministic Ethernet solutions successfully across a wide range of industries for more than two decades. This expertise has been the basis for TTTech Aerospace’s mature TTEthernet product line explains Werner Köstler, member of the executive board – Aerospace at TTTech: “Our TTEthernet solutions are fully DAL A certifiable, offering data transfer rates of up to 1 Gbit/s and allow scaling to larger vehicles and system extensions for future applications. We have been working with Honeywell on system architectures based on deterministic networking solutions since 2000 and have successfully collaborated on a wide range of groundbreaking projects in the aviation and space sectors, from engine controls and civil avionics to the NASA Orion spacecraft. We have also jointly contributed to the standardization of Deterministic Networking technology (TTP in the SAE AS6003 and Time-Triggered Ethernet in the SAE AS6802 standard). We are proud to continue our long and successful partnership with Honeywell and to be a part of their future-oriented Honeywell Anthem flight deck solution.”

IFS to Acquire California-Based Falkonry AI  

 IFS, the global cloud enterprise software company, today announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Falkonry, Inc. a California-based Industrial AI software company that provides automated, high-speed data analysis to the manufacturing and defense industries. The AI-based, self-learning solution continuously monitors large volumes of data for assets, machines, systems, and industrial processes to discover and analyze unusual behavior and causes of failures. 

Over the past two decades, the growing scale of assets, machines, and fleets has generated unprecedented amounts of data, making real-time operational monitoring highly complex and hindering immediate operational enhancements, such as maintenance and process adjustments. By leveraging Falkonry’s automated and self-learning AI, organizations can democratize intelligence, enabling operational users to take timely actions to prevent asset downtimes, quality issues, and emission violations and automate process and workflow improvements.   
The addition of the Falkonry self-learning anomaly detection solution to existing IFS enterprise simulation and AI-based scheduling and optimization capabilities further evidences the company’s strategy to use AI pervasively to provide end-to-end intelligent insights in EAM (Enterprise Asset Management), across ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), MES (Manufacturing Execution System), PSO (Planning, Scheduling, Optimization), FSM (Field Service Management) and ESM (Enterprise Service Management) technology to increase people and asset productivity.  

Headquartered in California, USA, and regional presence in Mumbai, India, Falkonry was founded in 2012 by CEO Nikunj Mehta. The company has customers across North America, South America, and Europe, including the U.S. Navy and Air Force, Ternium, North American Stainless, Harbour Energy, and SSAB, demonstrating its focus on industries in industrial manufacturing and Defense agencies.

IFS CEO, Darren Roos, commented: “Falkonry is unique in the market because its technology is agnostic and also it does not require data scientists. These are great differentiators for Falkonry that means the solution is both scalable and low-cost to implement—two fundamental attributes that very much align to our own values.” Roos added: “Falkonry’s technology can be applied in all industries, and whilst the team has some hugely impressive references in IFS’s focus markets on asset performance management, manufacturing execution systems, servitization, and configurable workflows, we see a really broad addressable market to capitalize on.”

Nikunj Mehta, CEO of Falkonry, commented: “The convergence of artificial intelligence and industrial processes has become increasingly crucial for organizations seeking to enhance productivity through data”. He added: “We are thrilled to join forces with IFS and looking forward to combining our unique strengths to provide a truly compelling value proposition to our existing customers as well as IFS customers.” He concluded: “Becoming part of IFS will enable us to further innovate and extend the value we create for our customers.” 

“Today’s enterprise is continuously collecting asset performance data, making it a challenge across a multitude of industries from manufacturing to service to put it in the right context and take action in real-time. Organizations using artificial intelligence and machine learning models with their data for self-learning asset performance anomaly detection will generate critical insights faster, boosting productivity and business performance,” said Brian O’Rourke, IDC Research Manager, EAM and Smart Facilities.

This acquisition follows soon after the IFS acquisition of Poka, a provider of connected worker technology that empowers factory and field operatives to work smarter, safer and drive productivity. The combination of Falkonry and Poka with IFS Cloud makes IFS the most compelling vendor for organizations wanting to establish the most progressive and effective Smart Factories of the future. 

IFS expects the acquisition of Falkonry to complete in Q4 2023.

Bombardier Introduces Advanced Avionics Upgrade for In-Service Global Aircraft Equipped with the Bombardier Vision Flight Deck

Bombardier recently introduced its new Advanced Avionics Upgrade (AAUfor the Bombardier Vision flight deck, a new avionics software and hardware enhancement that boasts the latest technology to enhance situational awareness and offer advanced visualization features. Powered by Collins Aerospace and available for in-service Global 5000, Global 6000, Global 5500 and Global 6500 aircraft equipped with the Bombardier Vision flight deck, the AAU is designed to take in-service Global aircraft to the next level by providing avionics features currently available on in-production Global 5500 and Global 6500 aircraft.

The new AAU software allows for the installation of Bombardier’s revolutionary Combined Vision System (CVS), which integrates the best features of the Synthetic Vision System (SVS) and the Enhanced Vision System (EVS) in a single view to reduce crew workload and achieve unmatched situational awareness with the clearest view through the toughest weather. A Global 6000 business jet is the first aircraft to receive the upgrade, which is currently being installed at the Wichita Service Center.

“The new software upgrade for the Bombardier Vision flight deck is a game changer and we are delighted, along with Collins Aerospace, to bring our operators aircraft to new levels of operational excellence,” said Paul Sislian, Executive Vice President, Aftermarket Services & Strategy, Bombardier. “The Bombardier Vision flight deck has been an important staple on Bombardier Global aircraft for years, and the addition of the Advanced Avionics Upgrade (AAU) ensures our business aircraft continue to be renowned for their impeccable safety, reliability and performance.”

“The primary objective of this upgrade, and our long-term collaboration with Bombardier, is to proactively provide information to the flight deck that improves safety and confidence in decision making,” said Marc Ayala, senior director of sales, Business & Regional Avionics, Collins Aerospace.  

On top of the Combined Vision System, operators can add other sought-after optional enhancements to their new avionics package, such as ADS-B in/Cockpit Display of Traffic Information (CDTI) and Airport Moving map/SVS Taxi mode. A brand-new, state-of-the-art weather radar will also be offered, enabling the Vertical Weather and Predictive Windshear featured options.

Important safety and performance-enhancing capabilities with the AAU include Engine Indicating and Crew Alerting System (EICAS) with improved message logic; an Integrated Flight Information System (IFIS) that sets the industry standard for system integration, quantity and quality of information; updated weather enhancements with XM/SXM Graphical Weather/DataLink Graphical Weather; further improvements to the Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS) that provides updates to the head-up display (HUD), primary flight display (PFD) logic and Synthetic Vision System (SVS) for enhanced operational performance and more.

Installation of the AAU on in-service Global aircraft is available across the complete Bombardier service centre network. Bombardier’s recently expanded network of service centers features locations across the U.S., Europe and Asia, including state of the art new buildings in Singapore, Miami Opa Locka, Melbourne, and London Biggin Hill. These state-of-the-art facilities employ factory trained technicians to ensure a seamless upgrade process. Bombardier also has 34 Mobile Response Team (MRT) vehicles, all equipped to support Learjet, Challenger and Global business aircraft, and connected to Bombardier’s 24/7 Customer Response Center and Customer Support Team.  

Luc Tytgat Appointed Acting Executive Director of EASA

Luc Tytgat has been appointed acting executive drector of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) with effect from September 1, 2023. Tytgat replaces Patrick Ky, who is leaving the agency at the end of his second five-year mandate.

Tytgat joined EASA as director of srategy and safety management in January 2015 after having been responsible for air transport and space domains in the European Commission.

In his role at EASA he successfully increased the level of safety intelligence and developed a better and more agile regulatory framework. He set the strategic direction for key challenges faced by the sector, such as the need to reinforce the Agency’s role in countering climate change and emerging safety risks such as cybersecurity, conflict zones and health. EASA’s research and innovation as well as international cooperation activities also expanded significantly under his guidance. 

“I am honored to be entrusted with leading EASA through this transition period,” Tytgat said. “My task in the coming months is to ensure that the Agency continues to deliver on its many projects and that our operational and reputational position remains intact, so that the new executive director can begin the new role at full speed.”

Tytgat will be succeeded as director of strategy and safety management by Maria Rueda, formerly managing director at CAA International (CAAi), who will take up the role from October 1, 2023. Rueda joined the UK CAA’s international cooperation and training arm in 2011 and rose to lead the organization in 2015. Earlier, she held senior positions at Deloitte and had been business development director at George Best Belfast City Airport.

Patrick Ky’s tenure

As executive director, Ky led the Agency through the second half of its 20-year history.

His primary objectives for the Agency were simplification and innovation. This led to a faster and more efficient rule-making process, that retained its robustness but was also aligned with the needs of different aviation communities. This also allowed industry to innovate at a faster pace.

“I am proud of my legacy,” Ky said. “EASA is now a worldwide reference point for aviation safety. We have been consistently on the forefront of innovation and have simplified and adapted our rules to meet the needs of the entire aviation industry.”

Roadmaps were established for General Aviation, to recognize the different risk profile of these operations, and for Rotorcraft, to tackle the root causes of accidents and make these operations safer.  In recent years, the Agency has repeatedly been first in the world to publish regulations and guidance on drones and air taxis.

The Agency’s international footprint also grew substantially under Ky’s leadership.

Ky steered the Agency successfully through a series of crises, including the tragic accidents of MH-17, Germanwings and the Boeing 737-MAX. More recently, he took decisive action to restart aviation during the COVID pandemic by agreeing the Aviation Health Safety Protocol together with its sister agency the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.

The process to appoint a permanent successor for Patrick Ky is in progress, under the auspices of the European Commission.

VTG Selects INTEGRITY-178 tuMP RTOS for Safety-Critical Battery Management System

VTG in Chantilly, Virginia, has selected the INTEGRITY-178 tuMP real-time operating system (RTOS) from Green Hills Software as the software foundation of their Critical Battery Management System (CBMS). The CBMS is designed to enable the safe operation of Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) batteries for a variety of maritime power system applications, and the system will be fielded on special operations submersibles. VTG selected the FACE conformant INTEGRITY-178 tuMP RTOS to run on the CBMS because it meets the highest design assurance level (DAL A) as defined in DO-178C/ED-12C, including multicore operation, and INTEGRITY-178 tuMP will be deployed on quad-core Intel Xeon processors.

Li-ion batteries are the most-used electrical storage medium due to a combination of high energy-density, low self-discharge, and affordability. The challenge is that Li-ion batteries present a significant risk of fire, outgassing toxic fumes, and even explosions. Confined spaces in aircraft, submarines, and surface ships increase the impact of a Li-ion battery fire in terms of equipment damage, injury to personnel, and loss of life. To enable those battery systems to be used in submersibles and transported on ships and submarines, VTG took a new approach focused on increasing the reliability of monitoring and preventing the scenarios that can lead to battery fires.

A basic BMS generally monitors current and voltage during charge and discharge and controls charging to stay within the current and voltage limits. During both charging and discharging, the BMS also monitors cell temperature as an indication of imminent thermal runaway. If a cell exceeds its temperature threshold, the BMS shuts down any active charging. To get an earlier read on any problems, VTG’s CBMS also measures heat sink temp, total battery voltage, battery current, pressure, and water intrusion to determine if it is safe to operate.

To provide the safest operation, the early warning of any battery issues must have high reliability and availability. VTG decided to leverage a safety-certifiable operating system and hardware from commercial aviation due to the extremely high level of rigor in meeting safety assurance objectives. For example, aviation hardware that meets the DAL A must have a probability of failure of less than 1×10^ 9/flight-hour. The VTG CBMS includes reductant fault-tolerant monitoring and control that extends down to the sensor level and up through the components of the CBMS so that there is no single point of failure.

The INTEGRITY-178 tuMP safety-critical RTOS from Green Hills Software is the only operating system to be part of a successful multicore certification to DO-178C DAL A and CAST-32A objectives. INTEGRITY-178 tuMP was the first RTOS to be certified conformant to a FACE Technical Standard that addressed multicore requirements, which was edition 3.0. INTEGRITY-178 tuMP is the only RTOS with multicore interference mitigation for all shared processor resources, enabling the system integrator to meet CAST-32A objectives with robust partitioning. Robust partitioning is a prerequisite for a full implementation of integrated modular avionics (IMA) or being able to reuse an application component without complete retesting and reverification of the entire system.

For more information, visit www.GHS.com/INTEGRITY-178.