Linux multiprocessor systems upgrade Aussie subs: News from Concurrent Computer Corp

Note: Readers of the free Electronicstalk email newsletter will have read this news when it was announced. Find out how to register for your free copy now.

The Australian subsidiary of Concurrent Computer Corp Integrated Solutions Division has delivered high-performance iHawk multiprocessor systems to Raytheon Australia in New South Wales. The quad-CPU iHawk systems running Concurrent's RedHawk Linux will be used in the development of the replacement combat system (RCS) for the Royal Australian Navy's Collins Class submarines. Raytheon Australia is currently under contract with the Australian Department of Defence to design, develop and produce hardware and software for the RCS programme.

RCS includes integration of the MK-2 combat control system already in service with the US Navy.

The iHawk systems will provide hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation of time-critical interfaces between the MK-2 system and the existing sensor suite onboard the submarines.

Concurrent's RedHawk Linux real-time operating system is a key component of the solution.

Raytheon turned to Concurrent because RedHawk Linux was the only product tested that could provide the real-time response and determinism required by the application.

The Collins Class submarine is a conventionally powered, long-range naval vessel designed specifically to provide the Royal Australian Navy with improved operational effectiveness, rapid response time, mission flexibility and reduced crew requirements.

The RCS programme will equip Collins Class submarines with the same combat control system as the US Navy's Los Angeles and Trident Class.

Raytheon selected the Concurrent iHawk with RedHawk Linux because of its ability to respond to the strict timing requirements of the sensor interfaces.

Standard Unix and Linux solutions were evaluated, but failed to meet the exacting real-time requirements.

To develop a complete simulation of the interfaces, Raytheon ordered six iHawk systems each with 20 RS422 ports and four gigabit Ethernet interfaces.

Raytheon is also in the process of selecting a VME single board computer to be used to implement the interfaces on the submarines.

According to Jack Bryant, Concurrent president and chief executive officer: "The iHawk is becoming the Linux platform of choice for our simulation customers worldwide, having already proven itself in over 40 major military and commercial programmes.

This recent win at Raytheon Australia, a premier supplier of integrated systems to the Australian DoD, represents a significant achievement by Concurrent Australia where we are currently experiencing a ground swell of interest in our RedHawk Linux".

RedHawk Linux is a real-time version of the open source Linux operating system.

Compatible with the Red Hat Linux distribution, RedHawk provides high I/O throughput, guaranteed fast response to external events, and optimised interprocess communication.

RedHawk is the ideal Linux environment for both HIL simulation and training system applications.

RedHawk user-level commands, utilities and system administration functions are standard Red Hat.

RedHawk achieves real-time performance by adding a multithreaded, deterministic, fully pre-emptable kernel with low-latency enhancements.

RedHawk's true symmetric multiprocessing support includes load balancing and CPU shielding to maximise determinism and real-time performance in mission-critical solutions.

Concurrent's iHawk offers value-added components including the real-time clock and interrupt module, a multifunction PCI card designed for time-critical applications that require rapid response to external events, as well as the NightStar Tools for real-time application development and test.

• Concurrent Computer Corp: contact details and other news
• Email this news to a colleague
• Register for the free Electronicstalk email newsletter
• Electronicstalk Home Page