Press Releases

The 2020 concept introduces a modern and effective cockpit architecture which integrates a large, secure display area associated with several reconfigurable means of control; including multi-touch screen capabilities and head-down controls, which offer pilots an intuitive interaction solution comprising all aircraft systems and functions. It is based on a modular and open building block approach integrating human-machine interface, infrastructure, functions and equipment so that it can address cockpit size variability with the same concept, reducing crew training and associated cost. The architecture allows easy integration of third party systems or functions, enabling airframers and operators to build highly customized solutions.

The new ICDS will be an interactive solution based on multiple touch screens. It will give pilots immediate access to data about mission, piloting and system as well as Flight Management System (FMS), Radio Management System (RMS) and Terrain Awareness and Warning System (TAWS). All displays are mission related, and pilots can select different views depending on the current flight phase. By allowing to display currently relevant content instead of a fix information set, the ICDS will also increase safety during the entire mission.

The new cockpit's foundation will be an IMA system (Integrated Modular Avionics) based on a Multi-Core CPU running the PikeOS RTOS and hosting multiple applications of different criticality levels, which will be certifiable independently of each other, up to DAL-A. Through its integrated hypervisor, PikeOS by design supports the strict partitioning of resources required in IMA systems to separate applications running on the same hardware and to avoid propagation of any problems one of the applications may experience.

In conjunction with Multi-Core CPUs, PikeOS represents a very comprehensive platform for the secure consolidation of systems and applications, saving weight, power consumption and thus expenses. In the past, systems based on this combination were the first Multi-Core systems to receive SIL-4 certification (IEC 61508), and PikeOS is currently being used in several DO-178C certified applications in the aviation industry. The new Thales cockpit will be one of the first DAL-A certified Multi-Core solutions. Certification of PikeOS based systems is significantly eased compared to other RTOSs, as Pike OS has been specifically designed with safety, security and certification in mind. Further, SYSGO can supply extensive support based on its comprehensive certification expertise.

"We are happy to participate in this demanding project, which will bring major improvements to the aviation industry in terms of efficiency, safety and ease of use", said Rudolf Fuchsen, SYSGO's VP Engineering. "Working closely with Thales, we are currently reviewing both code base and processes to ensure DO178 DAL-A and DO297 compliance for Multi-Core platforms."

"We found SYSGO's PikeOS to be a very appealing platform for the new ICDS, as it supports very strong safety and security by design" said Guylen Hitzmann, Avionics Platform Product Line Manager at Thales. "PikeOS guarantees the strict separation required in IMA systems and has been proven and certified in both avionics and Multi-Core solutions, providing us with a solid basis for DAL-A certification of the ICDS."

More information at www.sysgo.com/avionics

About Thales

Thales is a global technology leader for the Aerospace, Transport, Defence and Security markets. With 64,000 employees in 56 countries, Thales reported sales of €14.9 billion in 2016. With over 25,000 engineers and researchers, Thales has a unique capability to design and deploy equipment, systems and services to meet the most complex security requirements. Its exceptional international footprint allows it to work closely with its customers all over the world.