Avionics designers choose SYSGO real-time embedded software for A400M cargo system
DUSSELDORF, Germany, 10 Dec. 2008. Engineers at Rheinmetall Defence AG in Dusseldorf, Germany, needed real-time embedded software for the loadmaster control system they are designing for the Airbus A400M four-engine turboprop military transport and tanker aircraft. They found their solution from SYSGO AG in Klein-Winternheim, Germany.
The A400M is designed to replace relatively old military transport aircraft like the Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules and the Transall C-160. Rheinmetall is designing loadmaster control system as the electronic brain of the aircraft's cargo hold.
SYSGO supplies the PikeOS DO-178B-certifiable operating system software and ports legacy software code written for a former real-time operating system. SYSGO uses a multi-partitioning design in PikeOS for safety and security.
PikeOS enables several virtual machines to run simultaneously in a secure environment. The secure virtualization technology allows several operating system APIs to run concurrently on one machine, such as an ARINC-653 application together with Linux.
The loadmaster control system has four primary components: the loadmaster workstation (loadmaster control system); loadmaster control panel; eight sidewall lock panels; a remote control unit for the cargo winches and crane; and entrance area light panel.
On the ground, the loadmaster control system helps load and unload cargo, and adapts cargo for specific missions. In flight, it oversees everything that is not cockpit-related.
In the ramp area, the loadmaster control panel offers largely the same functions as the loadmaster control system. A remote control unit is available for operation of the crane or winches needed to stow heavy loads.
For more information contact SYSGO online at www.sysgo.com.
