Aonix says its real-time Java virtual machine (JVM) will be used in a PowerPC/Linux-based armament system being developed for French footsoldiers. The PERC JVM provides a run-time environment for Java applications requiring high reliability and determinism, and will be used in France's FELEN project, Aonix says.

FELEN

“FELEN” is a French acronym that translates as “Foot Soldier with Integrated Equipment and Connections.” The FELIN system will comprise about 55 pounds of gear, including weapons, clothing, food, water, and wearable embedded Linux systems that handle navigation, communication, and support “optronics” systems.

FELEN includes a variety of wearable computers and devices

France contracted industrial firm Sagem to develop and manufacture the embedded Linux systems and other equipment included in FELEN. Sagem expects to ship an initial version in 2007, followed by a second version in 2015.

According to Sagem, FELEN includes a high-performance wearable “electrical energy system” targeting endurance times of 72 hours. The electrical system will be based on a combination of lithium-ion batteries and fuel cells, Sagem says, noting that the need for robustness complicates power management issues in embedded systems.

FELEN will also include a sophisticated “optronics” system that includes a helmet-worn camera that can be used to remotely sight weapons systems or identify enemy personal at night. Both helmet-mounted and PDA-like display devices are supported.

Other FELEN systems include data and video networking, radiotelegraphy, and GPS navigation. Lots more FELEN information can be found on Sagem's website.

PERC

Aonix describes PERC as “a clean-room virtual machine created expressly for demanding embedded and real-time systems requiring J2SE support.” It says the software supports Java Standard Edition, without sacrificing real-time determinism. PERC offers AOT (ahead-of-time) and JIT (just-in-time) compilation, remote debugging, and has deterministic garbage collection, standard graphics, and extended commercial RTOS support, the compay says.

Aonix's VP of marketing, Jacques Brygier, said, “Our participation in the FELIN project confirms our leadership position in the embedded real-time Java language community.”

Aonix joined the Eclipse Foundation in 2004.

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