This article is based on an official press release from Rapita Systems.

Rapita Systems and Avionyx Form Strategic Partnership to Accelerate Avionics Certification

In a move designed to streamline the complex process of certifying safety-critical aerospace software, Rapita Systems and Avionyx have announced a strategic partnership. According to a press release issued in February 2026, the collaboration aims to create a “one-stop-shop” for avionics verification, specifically targeting the rigorous demands of DO-178C Design Assurance Level A (DAL A) compliance.

The partnership combines Rapita Systems’ automated verification technologies with Avionyx’s decades of engineering service expertise. By integrating these capabilities, the companies intend to address significant bottlenecks in the development of next-generation aircraft, including Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) vehicles and unmanned systems. The joint offering focuses heavily on solving the technical challenges associated with multicore processors, a critical component in modern avionics architecture.

Integrating Tools and Expertise

The core of the announcement highlights the integration of two distinct strengths: automated tooling and “human-in-the-loop” engineering services. Rapita Systems, a leading provider of software verification tools, brings its Rapita Verification Suite (RVS) and MACH178 solution to the table. These tools are designed to automate on-target software testing, code coverage analysis, and timing analysis.

Avionyx, an aerospace engineering services firm and subsidiary of Joby Aviation, contributes over 35 years of experience in full-lifecycle software development and verification. Under the new agreement, Avionyx engineers will utilize Rapita’s toolset to execute verification tasks for clients. This model allows aerospace manufacturers to outsource certification work to a team already proficient in the industry’s most advanced verification platforms.

“Rapita and Avionyx joining forces is a logical union given our shared focus on supporting high-criticality aerospace projects and commitment to solving the industry’s hardest challenges.”

, Jamie Ayre, Chief Commercial Officer at Rapita Systems

Solving the Multicore Interference Problem

A primary technical objective of this partnership is to facilitate compliance with AC 20-193 (and its European equivalent AMC 20-193). These regulatory standards govern the use of multicore processors in airborne systems. While multicore chips offer the performance required for advanced flight control and autonomy, they introduce “interference channels” where different processing cores compete for shared resources like memory, potentially causing unpredictable behavior.

According to the press release, Rapita’s MACH178 solution specifically targets this issue by analyzing and producing evidence to prove that multicore systems can operate safely and deterministically. By pairing this technology with Avionyx’s certification experience, the partnership claims it can significantly reduce the time required to verify these complex systems.

“This collaboration enables Avionyx to offer our customers a faster, more efficient path to certification, even for the most demanding DAL A and multi-core projects.”

, Tom Ferrell, General Manager at Avionyx

AirPro News Analysis: The eVTOL Context

While the official announcement focuses on the technical synergy between the two firms, the market context suggests broader implications for the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) sector. Avionyx was acquired by Joby Aviation in 2022, placing it at the center of the race to certify electric air taxis. The pressure to meet aggressive certification timelines for eVTOL aircraft is immense, and traditional manual verification methods are often too slow to keep pace.

We observe that this partnership likely serves a dual purpose: it strengthens the supply chain for the broader aerospace market while validating tools and processes that are critical for the eVTOL industry. By automating the detection of bugs and interference issues, manufacturers can potentially reduce bug-fixing cycles from weeks to hours, a vital efficiency gain for startups and established OEMs alike.

Key Benefits for Aerospace Manufacturers

The companies have outlined several key benefits for customers across the Americas and Europe:

• Speed to Market: Automation and specialized expertise aim to drastically shorten the verification phase, which is often the longest pole in the certification tent.
• Risk Mitigation: The combined offering provides a proven pathway to DO-178C DAL A compliance, reducing the risk of regulatory rejection late in the program.
• Scalability: The service model allows manufacturers to access high-end verification capabilities without the need to build and train massive internal teams.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is DO-178C DAL A?

DO-178C is the primary document by which certification authorities such as the FAA and EASA approve all commercial software-based aerospace systems. “DAL A” (Design Assurance Level A) is the most stringent safety level, applied to software where a failure would cause a catastrophic condition for the aircraft.

What is the role of Rapita Systems?

Rapita Systems provides the software tools (RVS and MACH178) that automate the testing and analysis of the avionics software, ensuring it meets safety standards regarding timing and code coverage.

What is the role of Avionyx?

Avionyx provides the engineering workforce and certification expertise. Their engineers use Rapita’s tools to perform the actual verification work, acting as a specialized service provider for aerospace clients.

Sources

Rapita Systems