Avionics Industry
Genova’s experience in the Avionics industry started in 2000 with the development of a Wireless LAN Manager for an onboard avionics information network. Still supporting development of Wireless LAN Manager, our experience has expanded to include development efforts for cabin entertainment systems, military avionics communications, flight management systems (FMS), and avionics data load software.
Wireless LAN Manager
Genova developed this application as part of an onboard information network, providing an international transportation customer with a unique system that supplies in-flight wireless access to information onboard a server on the aircraft as well as information available on the Internet. This technology creates a communications infrastructure that makes it possible for customers to surf the Internet or check their email mid-flight. Crewmembers can use the system to support applications that eliminate many of the paperwork required for departure and arrival. Using the system’s wireless LAN, these applications exchange data between the aircraft and the airline’s network at the airport, enabling the airline to save both time and money.
Genova worked on the full lifecycle of this project including requirements, wireless hardware research and evaluation, design, development, system integration, testing, and post-installation support.
Cabin Entertainment Systems
Cabin Entertainment Systems (CES) supports the development of a total cabin electronics solution for business aircraft. This effort allows passengers to select and control numerous data sources, including multiple VCRs, DVD players, satellite TV and multi-disc CD changers. Global CES office features provide reliable air to ground data connectivity for secure, high speed access to email, the internet and videoconferencing. The system also provides interfaces for file sharing and standard office equipment including printers, fax machines and scanners. An advanced local area network (LAN) allows multiple users to access the system The system is set up for enhancement through the addition of a wireless LAN that permits users to maintain network connection while moving about the aircraft. Genova worked closely with the customer’s engineering team on many aspects of the program.
Genova provided system engineering services for both system definition and system integration and testing. This included requirements analysis, component trade studies, system test plans, and system test execution. Our software engineers were involved in designing the flexible software architecture, coding, and unit testing of developed code. Genova also provided assistance for field system support, troubleshooting installation on aircraft and provided configuration and support for the installed system.
Military Avionics Communications
Genova has helped engineer solutions for a major avionics communications framework in military rotor wing aircraft. This work included systems requirements, integration, testing, and software design and development. The system’s capabilities include flight management and guidance, communications management, tactical sensor and weapons management, as well as management of primary flight data, situational awareness information, and the display.
Because of the multiple programs on which the framework was implemented, the testing process was a challenge with very little time between cycles. Genova worked with the customer to coordinate the system test efforts for the various programs, perform test execution, and support changes and integration into the programs.
Flight Management Systems (FMS)
Genova supported an avionics customer by updating existing flight management software for military helicopters. This effort required close communications between our engineers and the customer engineers to guarantee compliance with requirements imposed on them by the helicopter manufacturer and the end consumer. Genova’s role in this effort included both system and software engineering tasks.
Genova has performed the majority of the system engineering tasks including requirements updates, test plans and procedures. Genova also managed the overall changes to the software package and the adjustments required for interface with other equipment updates within the overall system. Genova used the DOORS software for managing the requirements, test cases, and test procedures associated with this effort.
Additionally, Genova was responsible for the software updates and testing. Our software engineers implemented original features to meet the new requirements and conducted unit tests on a scaled down test stand to check most of the changes. Genova performed dry test runs and formal qualification tests of the software. These tests were conducted by personnel solely dedicated to the testing effort– thus providing an objective and independent test of the updated software.
Genova also wrote new training materials for the entire software system. The training material was developed and the training conducted such that the customer’s engineers understand how the software is designed and can make updates to the system specific to their needs.
Avionics Data Load Software
Genova was asked to design and develop new dataloader application to be used by aircraft maintenance personnel for loading new data and software onto equipment installed on an aircraft. Old methods of dataloading required maintenance personnel to board the aircraft and enter the cockpit armed with data disks containing the new data and software. This new application would allow personnel to either use a portable computing device or new smaller higher capacity storage devices and perhaps wireless technology to get the updates onto a dataload device on the aircraft.
An important design aspect of the new application was to solicit input from field technicians on what would make the application easy and quick to use. Old dataload interfaces were often viewed as time-consuming and hard to learn and use. Genova worked with customer engineers and field technicians to develop a new application user interface that would streamline the dataload process. By involving key experienced field technicians, the new user interface reduced the steps needed to initiate a dataload and drastically reduced the learning curve for the technicians. User reactions after development of the new dataload application revealed that the application was so easy to use that instead of the typical hours of training required to learn a dataload application; this application could be used with almost no training at all.
The initial dataload application was implemented successfully and has been ported from Windows to Linux and an embedded Windows platform, in both cases integrating the dataload engine with a new user interface.