Aerospace

Aircraft increasingly rely on networked systems, so ITK Engineering offers comprehensive cyber security solutions that protect critical data and processes against emerging cyber threats, ensuring the security and integrity of modern aviation. Although the networking of aircraft systems opens up the possibility of additional functions, it also introduces potential security vulnerabilities. We use robust cyber security measures and follow a multilayered approach that addresses weaknesses in all aspects of modern aircraft systems.

At a glance:

• Avionic system security and real-time threat monitoring
• Protecting flight control systems and data protection during flight
• Wireless communications and embedded systems security
• Redundancy and resilience for uninterrupted operation
• Aircraft software security through stringent development practices

By applying these comprehensive cyber security strategies and complying with the strict guidelines of DO-326 (ED-202A), DO-356A (ED-203A), DO-355A (ED-204A), and DO-392A (ED-206), ITK Engineering ensures that aircraft systems are resilient, adaptable, and secure against the emerging range of cyber threats.

More about the cyber security services

ITK Engineering harnesses the power of digital models and simulations to design, develop, and validate complex aviation systems. This model-based approach optimizes the engineering process, reduces risks, and facilitates more rapid innovation, while also ensuring compliance with the strictest standards for security and reliability. Given the increasing complexity of the systems involved, ITK Engineering applies model-based systems engineering (MBSE) – a system that uses digital models as the central source of truth throughout the entire product life cycle and therefore goes beyond traditional, document-based systems engineering.

At a glance:

• Improved collaboration and communication
• Accelerated development and reduced risk
• Improved quality and security
• Model-based development (MBD) using powerful tools (MATLAB/Simulink and SCADE)
• MBSE-specific techniques and tools

By combining the power of MBSE with robust MBD tools, ITK Engineering ensures the development of high-quality, secure, certifiable systems that are equal to the tough challenges of the aviation industry.

More about our systems and software engineering services

ITK Engineering is a leader when it comes to the installation of charging infrastructure. Using our experience in the automotive industry as a basis, we develop scalable, secure, standardized charging solutions that facilitate a more sustainable future for aviation. The transition to electric aircraft is rapidly gathering pace, and promises a cleaner, quieter, more environmentally friendly future. The success of this revolution depends on the development of a robust and reliable charging infrastructure that is tailored to the specific needs of these next-generation aircraft.

At a glance:

• CCS-based standards for seamless integration
• Pioneering work for a certified, future-proof infrastructure
• Working with EPIC on standardization

By combining our proven expertise in the field of advanced charging technologies with a focus on new standards and sector-specific collaboration, ITK Engineering is making a crucial contribution to the electric aviation revolution and creating a more sustainable future for the aviation industry.

More about our services for charging infrastructure

ITK Engineering is a driving force behind the development of next-generation aircraft powered by electricity and hydrogen. In its pursuit of zero-emissions flying, the aviation industry is promoting a wave of innovations, with electric, hybrid, and hydrogen-powered aircraft considered to be the keys to a more sustainable future. We use advanced simulations and engineering expertise to accelerate the design and certification of these environmentally friendly aircraft, paving the way to a greener future for aviation.

At a glance:

• Simulation-based design for optimized performance and security
• Virtual prototyping for rapid iterations
• Predictive analysis to identify problems at an early stage
• Supporting certification by developing standards
• Close collaboration with EPIC and AZEA

More about our ecosystem-based approach to hydrogen applications

ITK Engineering offers comprehensive hardware integration services that ensure the seamless, secure operation of sophisticated aircraft systems. Our expertise in the fields of aerospace, embedded systems, software development, and regulatory compliance guarantee our customers fully integrated solutions that meet the highest industry standards. The integration of complex hardware systems is crucial to the development of modern aircraft, particularly with regard to the ascendancy of electric propulsion systems and advanced avionics. ITK Engineering uses its expertise in different fields to implement comprehensive hardware integration solutions that ensure functionality, security, and compliance with industry standards.

At a glance:

• Bridging the gap between innovation and implementation
• Requirements analysis and system architecture
• Functional tests for individual components
• Seamless integration between subsystems
• Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) tests
• Certification and regulatory compliance
• Deep integration with software and system expertise
• Engineering methods and processes, as well as systems engineering
• Embedded software and algorithms

ITK Engineering manages the complexity of hardware integration for aviation systems by combining in-depth technical expertise, a strict testing regime, and an unshakable commitment to quality and security. We empower our customers to put innovative, reliable aircraft on the market, and give them confidence in the seamless functionality and uncompromising security of their hardware systems.

More about our control unit development services

Challenge and solution

As a member of the responsible RTCA expert group, ITK Engineering contributed to the definition and further development of the global DO-178C certification guidelines. In cooperation with industry experts and certification authorities, the requirements and verification methods for the use of model-based approaches (MBD/DO-331) in safety-critical software for aviation systems were developed.

Added value

Through this direct involvement in standardization, ITK Engineering possesses a profound understanding of certification criteria at the system level. On this basis, we provide strategic support for the setup and certification of robust, audit-compliant software development processes for safety-critical aviation systems.

Challenge and solution

ITK Engineering supported a leading aerospace company during the early concept and definition phase of an innovative aircraft propulsion system. In this context, a scalable simulation model was developed to systematically evaluate alternative E/E architectures. This made it possible to identify suitable trade-offs between the total weight of system components and energy efficiency.

Added value

The simulation-backed design space exploration created a reusable, data-driven foundation for future E/E architecture decisions. This methodology helps reduce uncertainties in early system design and supports the faster and more informed development of next-generation aircraft propulsion systems.

Challenge and solution

ITK Engineering supported a leading aerospace manufacturer in realizing the next generation of its ECU system. To achieve this, the existing control software was migrated to a modern microcontroller platform. To protect the established, safety-critical application software from hardware-specific changes, ITK Engineering designed and implemented modular low-level drivers for communication, timer, and clock functions.

Added value

The developed architecture decouples the application software from the underlying hardware and confirms the technical feasibility of the new microcontroller. This helps mitigate critical risks associated with component obsolescence in the supply chain and supports the accelerated development of future platforms. Furthermore, through the transfer of IP and source code, the customer retains intellectual property rights and thus full control over the system.

Challenge and solution

ITK Engineering supported a developer of unmanned VTOL aircraft in expanding an existing single-camera architecture with an additional camera to assist during landing procedures. The challenge was to reliably maintain the live video transmission to the ground station. ITK Engineering supported the embedded integration and processing of video data from multiple cameras, including the merging of images into a single video stream using the picture-in-picture method.

Added value

The successful implementation helps translate the specific sensory requirements of the aircraft prototype into embedded software development, optimally utilizing the customer’s existing video processing. This implementation creates a solid foundation for the further development of onboard image processing functions. In addition, support was provided to successfully demonstrate real-world integration conditions, such as the compatibility of camera formats, resolutions, and frame rates, in final tests.

Challenge and solution

An aerospace company required capacities for environmental testing, covering vibration tests, climate tests, and salt spray tests. ITK Engineering established the interface to the specialized Bosch test infrastructure, including vibration test benches, and coordinated the customer, the executing test organization, and relevant internal stakeholders.

Added value

The project demonstrates how ITK Engineering can combine aerospace customer management with access to capacities across the entire Bosch network. By providing a central commercial and organizational interface, as well as coordinating access to the test center, ITK Engineering created a structured path to the test infrastructure for environmental tests, without the customer having to manage the internal Bosch interfaces themselves.