ZubAir software integrated with RTI Connext DDS (April 2021)

Modernizing flight data tracking has just taken a big step forward, thanks to local startup (and SUNY incubator) ZubAir Data LLC of Fredonia, NY. The new patented ZubAir system uses a unique data transmission method that more rapidly processes information while eliminating rogue data and therefore ensures faster, safer data flow.

To achieve its desired performance, ZubAir teamed up with Real-Time Innovations (RTI), the largest software framework company for autonomous systems headquartered in Sunnyvale, California. ZubAir completed an integration with RTI Connext DDS to provide the real time data connectivity framework for the Flight Data Tracker System. This system aims to transmit vital black box data in real-time to ground-level sensors in addition to storing it in the “black box” on the airplane. The specific Connext DDS features integrated with the ZubAir system include topic-wise transmission, ranges, encryption, authentication and Quality-of-Service (QoS). 

During initial testing conducted in early 2021, ZubAir’s data transmission aligned with the publisher-subscriber model of the RTI Connext system. Subsequently, data was published to the RTI Connext databus under specific topics from one publisher, as well as allowing subscriptions by multiple subscribers. Values were restricted within the permitted range so that rogue data could be located easily. Additionally, Connext DDS offers fine-grained security capabilities enabling ZubAir to control the access permissions to the data. Specific aircraft engine, single-topic data were bound with real-time QoS and transmitted and received, imposing the real-time QoS limits within the specified time bounds. 

In addition, RTI’s software supports two important avionics standards:

• Future Airborne Capability Environment (FACE™) is an open avionics environment for all military airborne platform types.
• DO-178C is the primary standard for commercial avionics software development.

Connext DDS is certified as FACE conformant and has supporting COTS RTCA DO-178C certification evidence. Individually, these offer a proven, low-risk path to end user FACE conformance and DO-178C safety certification.  

ZubAir and RTI will continue working together to advance the Flight Data Tracker System. The next target is to implement the software on the computing platforms in aviation and test the whole system for successful data transmission. ZubAir will continue to develop the integrated product further and plans to submit a phase-1 proposal for SBIR in Summer 2021.