LynuxWorks says L-3 Display Systems chose its Linux-like LynxOS-178 real-time OS for the cockpit display system in the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF). Key selection criteria included adherence to open standards, Linux compatibility, interoperability benefits of a POSIX API, and support for ARINC-653, according to the… company

(Click for larger view of F-35)

Is that Tux's evil twin? (Click to enlarge)

LynuxWorks says LynxOS-178 was “designed specifically for multi-thread and multi-process applications in safety-critical systems.” The company has long touted LynxOS's ability to run Linux applications, through a Linux ABI (application binary interface). More recently, the RTOS has gained ARINC-653 scheduling, said to provide “security through virtual machine brick-wall partitions that prevent system events in one partition of the RTOS from interfering with events in another.”

Additionally, LynxOS-178 was recently awarded a reusable software component (RSC) letter from the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration), said to decrease time-to-market, since it no longer needs to be certified for each use.

L-3 Displays Group president Bob McGill stated, “We chose [LynxOS-178] because the company offered a very complete RTOS and artifact package, along with support services and business models that were unmatched by other vendors. In the military and defense market, we are required to work with stable vendors that have a solid and complete track record.”

Bombs away (Click to enlarge)

Joe Wlad, director of product management at LynuxWorks, stated, “Our technical leadership and progressive business models are very attractive to military avionics suppliers who are transitioning from proprietary operating systems to open standard-based solutions.”

According to the Federation of American Scientists, the F35 is a “multirole fighter optimized for the air-to-ground role with secondary air-to-air capability.” It is based on Lockheed Martin X-35 design, and will be supplied with different take-off and landing systems to the Army, Marines, and Navy, at respective “FY94$” unit costs of $28M, $35M, and $38M. The F35 is expected to replace a wide array of existing fighters, LynuxWorks says.

 
This article was originally published on LinuxDevices.com and has been donated to the open source community by QuinStreet Inc. Please visit LinuxToday.com for up-to-date news and articles about Linux and open source.