Ecosystem Aerospace
Whether on road, on water or in the air: We support the energy transition with our intelligent software solutions and accelerate the safe decarbonization. We transfer our decades of experience in the automotive sector to the aviation industry and develop customer-specific solutions for eVTOLS, very light and large aeroplanes.
ITK is a long-term development partner throughout the development process of aerospace projects, from early use case studies and simulation, rapid prototyping, proof of concept, industrialization, to product certification – from POC to SOP.
Integrating hardware and software can be an overwhelming task, often involving many stakeholders and suppliers. ITK’s involvement in your aerospace project will make the complex manageable and can shorten your development time on a whole.
A strong team: ITK Engineering & Bosch Aviation Technology
ITK operates in the general aviation sector within the Certification Specifications CS-VLC [Very Light Aeroplanes], CS-23 [Normal, Utility, and Commuter Aeroplanes], CS-25 [Large Aeroplanes] and is DO-178C compliant. Our expert team is supported by Bosch Aviation Technology, which expands the project framework to the design assurance levels DAL B to E.
Our fields of innovation for the aerospace sector
Electrification of future aircraft systems and advanced air mobility
The transition to zero emission flight is pushing the aerospace industry into innovative electric aircraft concepts and is giving rise to commercial electric eVTOL, battery electric, hybrid electric and hydrogen electric aircrafts.
ITK uses computer simulations to replicate every phase of electric/hybrid aircraft production, ranging from the initial concept to flight testing. Simulations have the capability to rapidly test ideas without the need for physical prototypes or extensive trial-and-error processes. By conducting simulations before physical testing, potential problems or issues in the design process can be identified early on.
ITK offers simulation software and consulting expertise to assist engineering and design teams in key areas. This allows for well-informed decision-making based on reliable data.
Model-based systems engineering (MBSE)
Systems are becoming more complex, thus, ITK uses both the traditional system engineering approach as well as model-based systems engineering (MBSE). MBSE replaces inflexible, costly, and slow processes of the system engineering process with digital communication based on digital twins and digital threads. Through a comprehensive understanding of how each design decision influences the entire system throughout its life cycle, MBSE has the potential to accelerate time to market, mitigate risks by identifying defects early in the design phase and navigate complexity on a whole via facilitating the sharing of intricate design details among engineers and technical stakeholders, ensuring the fulfillment of all requirements. It also ensures safety by verifying that the software code and subsystems perform as intended. MBSE seamlessly integrates standards into core processes, providing a robust foundation for safety assurance.
Software integration via simulation
Simulation is reshaping the aviation landscape and expedites the development of forthcoming aircraft systems, enhancing safety and sustainability. Our embedded system applications team is dedicated to developing and sustaining flight-equivalent aerospace systems, ensuring independent verification and validation.
To accomplish this, we apply two approaches to facilitate mission simulation:
– Software-in-the-loop (SIL) simulations are crucial when flight software becomes accessible. SIL testing is particularly effective for developing test cases, conducting stress tests, and assessing off-nominal scenarios.
– Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test environment incorporates flight-equivalent processors, hardware emulations, and interfaces. This type of testing facilitates the verification of the flight source code within a realistic hardware environment.
Key competences from hardware integration to cyber security
Hardware integration
ITK’s cross-domain method expertise makes the transfer of knowhow on integration of hardware components – like battery management systems, inverters/motor controllers and battery optimization and thermal management – into the aviation sector possible. The hardware integration process in an aerospace development program involves systematically incorporating and validating various physical components and systems into the overall aircraft. This process is critical to ensure that the hardware functions cohesively, meets design specifications, and operates safely and reliably.
ITK can help you company with hardware integration within the following areas:
Requirements analysis & system architecture
Functional testing
Inter-subsystem integration
Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing
Certification and regulatory compliance
Cyber Security
The increasing connectivity of avionics systems introduces vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious actors. Protecting flight control systems and communication networks is crucial to prevent unauthorized access.
ITK has implemented cyber security in the most vital sectors of society with the highest security standards.
Find out more about ITK’S Cyber Security portfolio
ITK has secured hospital medical devices, rail systems, critical infrastructure, and now moving to aerospace with special emphasis on the following topics:
