A next-generation integrated modular avionics (IMA) platform designed to consolidate safety-critical and non-safety workloads on shared multi-core hardware, while maintaining compliance with the most rigorous avionics standards.
Introduction: Why VxWorks 653 Matters #
As modern defense and aerospace systems become increasingly complex, the need for open, standards-based, and safe platforms grows. Organizations are turning to integrated modular avionics (IMA) solutions that leverage powerful multi-core hardware and virtualization to streamline development, reduce costs, and ensure safety compliance.
One such standard is ARINC 653, which defines partitioning for IMA systems. By adopting this specification, avionics vendors and system integrators can host multiple applications safely on a shared hardware platform, meeting stringent safety certifications such as RTCA DO-178C, EUROCAE ED-12C, DO-254, ED-80, DO-297, and ED-124.
At the forefront of this innovation is VxWorks® 653 Multi-core Edition, a proven real-time operating system (RTOS) from Wind River. It delivers ARINC 653–compliant time and space partitioning, enabling fault containment, system flexibility, and easier upgrades across mission-critical applications.
Key Features and Benefits of VxWorks 653 #
1. Standards Conformance and Portability #
VxWorks 653 supports industry standards, making upgrades easier and more cost-effective:
- Full support for ARINC 653 APEX API, POSIX®, FACE™, SCA, and other APIs
- Compatibility with Ada, C, and C++ applications
- Unmodified guest OS support, enabling legacy and modern apps to coexist
2. Cost-Effective Certification and Affordability #
- Modular open architecture reduces recertification efforts
- Update only the modified application components instead of re-testing the entire system
- Significantly lowers costs for certified avionics software updates
3. Independent Build, Link, and Load (IBLL) #
- Supports a multi-supplier, role-based supply chain (per DO-297)
- Enables independent development and testing across different suppliers
4. Multi-Core Scheduling and Virtualization #
- Hardware-assisted virtualization for running parallel guest OS environments
- Benefits include:
- Lower bill of materials (BOM)
- High performance and low jitter
- Safe deployment of mixed-criticality workloads
5. Advanced Development Tools #
- Wind River Workbench (Eclipse-based) for integration with popular toolchains
- Wind River Simics® for system simulation, testing, and automation
- Qualified verification tools (DO-330, ED-215) to reduce certification testing scope
6. Proven Deployment in Leading Programs #
VxWorks 653 has been deployed across 550+ aerospace programs with 350+ customers in over 90 aircraft, including:
- Airbus Helionix, MRTT, A400M
- Boeing 787 Dreamliner, C-130 AMP, KC-767, P-8 Poseidon
- COMAC C919
- Lockheed Martin C-130T
- And more than 80 additional global aircraft
Integrated Development Environment: Wind River Workbench & Simics #
Wind River Workbench #
- Fully integrated Eclipse-based suite for design, development, and testing
- XML configuration tools for ARINC 653 applications
- Qualified for use in DO-178C and ED-12C DAL A certification
- Allows safe insertion of new applications without re-testing the entire platform
Wind River Simics #
- Enables developers to run software on virtual platforms before hardware is available
- Supports debugging, inspection, scripting, and fault injection
- Accelerates agile and continuous development cycles
Flexible Licensing Options #
Wind River offers two licensing models for VxWorks 653 Multi-core Edition:
- Perpetual Licensing (paid upfront)
- Enterprise License Agreement (ELA) subscription model
Customers can choose between production license or production license–free options depending on whether costs are allocated in R&D or manufacturing.
Trusted Partner for Aerospace and Defense #
With over 35 years of industry experience and technology deployed in 2+ billion devices worldwide, Wind River remains a reliable partner for aerospace and defense organizations.
VxWorks 653 customers also benefit from:
- 24/7 global support
- Specialized aerospace and defense consulting services
- Certification-ready artifacts for BSPs and additional modules
- A product that contains no ITAR-restricted code, easing global deployments
Conclusion #
VxWorks 653 Multi-core Edition is more than just an RTOS—it’s a complete avionics platform that combines safety, reliability, and cost efficiency. With proven adoption in some of the world’s most advanced aircraft programs, it continues to set the standard for ARINC 653–based IMA systems.
For organizations seeking scalable, certifiable, and future-ready avionics solutions, VxWorks 653 is a trusted choice backed by decades of industry leadership.