Wind River® is a mission-critical intelligent software system provider, recently announced it has worked with Airbus to support the Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) A330 aircraft for A3R automatic air-to-air refueling. The MRTT aircraft is one of the world's first tankers certified for automated air-to-air refueling boom operations in daylight.
VxWorks 653 is being used by Airbus for the A330 MRTT ARBS (air-to-air refueling boom system). It comprises multiple ARINC-653-compliant applications that operate at various safety-critical levels and accomplished DO-178C DAL A certification. Using the platform, it has proven to be a safety-critical application in the most challenging situations. Furthermore, meeting stringent safety certification requirements of IEC 61508, EN 50128, ISO 26262, and ED-12C / DO-178C, VxWorks 653 makes it easier and cost-effective for technology suppliers.
The development helped the Airbus A330 MRTT A3R capability to be certified by the Spanish National Institute for Aerospace Technology (INTA). It also includes multiple DO-178C DAL A/ED-12C applications running at the same time on multiple cores on a multicore processor. With the automated A3R system, more efficient operation, low air fueling operator workload, a low inherent risk of operation and the rate of air-to-air refueling transfer optimization are enabled. In addition, advanced technologies in A3R can recognize the shape of the receiving aircraft, a refueling receptacle, then perform fuel transfer and automated contact while flying at a high altitude.
Avijit Sinha, chief product officer of Wind River, said, "A3R is a significant milestone in the evolution of airborne refueling systems. It is an honor to work with Airbus and play an important role in its latest A3R achievement." He added, "The use of our industry-leading technology demonstrates continuing Wind River leadership in safety-critical real-time software solutions for mission-critical systems. As a result, wind River is able to help customers successfully navigate the challenges and complexities around certification."
(Source: Business Wire)
About Wind River
One of the global leaders in providing software for mission-critical intelligent systems, Wind River, for the past 40 years, has been an innovator and pioneering billions of systems and devices which need the highest level of security, reliability, and safety. The company's software and expertise are booming digital transformation across industries which include defense, industrial, aerospace, telecommunications and medical. It is headquartered in Alameda (California) and offers a comprehensive portfolio supported by a broad part ecosystem and top-class global professional services and support.