Leonardo selected Wind River VxWorks for a safety-related radio frequency (RF) system designed to run on multicore processor architectures. The architecture is intended to give applications a common runtime across different processors while limiting processor-specific application code. Wind River reported in 2025 that application development had progressed to system integration; DO-178C Design Assurance Level C (DAL C) certification evidence work was still underway.
What Leonardo selected
Wind River announced the selection on April 2, 2025, during Aerospace Tech Week in Munich. The announcement describes a VxWorks-based safety-related RF system using multicore processor architectures. It does not identify the processor models, the specific RF product, the contract value, or the end-customer system. Wind River’s announcement
The selection is an enterprise software and engineering project, not a consumer product launch. The published material names VxWorks and related engineering work, but does not provide enough detail to identify hardware that an individual could buy or use to reproduce the system.
Why use a common runtime across processors?
Systems that assign different functions to different processor architectures can create a software-maintenance challenge: application code may need architecture-specific changes as hardware choices vary. Wind River describes a common application runtime environment across processor architectures as a way to reduce that dependency and support software updates over long aerospace and defense program lifetimes. These are the project’s stated architectural aims, not quantified performance results.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Wind River’s case study says the implementation included VxWorks Cert Edition ports for the selected multicore processors, hardware board support packages (BSPs), and device drivers. It describes a shared VxWorks API subset intended to let applications work across commercial-grade VxWorks and safety-critical VxWorks Cert Edition environments while limiting architecture-dependent code. Wind River’s Leonardo case study
What project progress and certification status were reported?
According to Wind River’s 2025 case study, Leonardo had developed applications on the multicore architectures and started system integration. Wind River said it was developing DO-178C DAL C certification evidence packages for the BSPs and supporting certification reviews and audits. The announcement likewise described applications as being developed and said they would undergo DO-178C DAL C certification.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
These statements describe development and evidence work, not a completed certification. The available project materials do not establish that certification was awarded.
What DO-178C DAL C means here
DO-178C is the aviation software guidance named in the project announcement; DAL C refers to Design Assurance Level C. In this project, the relevant detail is the stated target and the reported evidence effort: Wind River said it was preparing BSP certification evidence and supporting review and audit activity. The materials do not publish a certification result, a schedule, or a complete account of the evidence package.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
What the announcement does—and does not—establish
- Established: Leonardo selected VxWorks for a safety-related RF system using multicore processor architectures.
- Implementation described: VxWorks Cert Edition ports, BSPs, device drivers, and a common application runtime/API subset.
- Project status reported by Wind River: Application development had progressed and system integration had begun; DO-178C DAL C evidence work was ongoing.
- Not disclosed: Processor models, named RF product, customer system, contract value, independent performance measurements, or completed certification.
Wind River also stated that its technology had been used in over 750 safety programs in more than 120 civilian and military aircraft. This is a vendor-reported figure in the 2025 announcement; the year underlying the counts was not specified. Wind River’s announcement
How to assess a similar safety-critical system
Leonardo’s announcement is not a head-to-head RTOS comparison: the cited project materials name no competing operating system and provide no comparative benchmark. For a similar program, useful evaluation questions include:
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
- Application portability: What runtime and API can be shared across processor architectures, and how much hardware-specific application code remains?
- Real-time behavior: What deterministic timing requirements apply to each system function, and how will they be verified on the selected hardware?
- Certification evidence: Which software components and hardware interfaces need evidence for the applicable assurance level, and who prepares and reviews it?
- Lifecycle and obsolescence: How will processor changes, software updates, and long service lives be managed without undermining assurance?
- Drivers and connectivity: Are the required BSPs, device drivers, and networking capabilities available for the target boards and system design?
Wind River’s case study identifies Professional Services work on BSPs, device drivers, and certification evidence for this project. That indicates the scope of the reported engineering support; it does not establish that another program would require the same services or effort.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What Wind River said about the collaboration
Jay Bellissimo, president of Wind River, said, “As multi-core processors drive an increasingly software-defined world, new opportunities are emerging to advance aerospace and defense systems.” He also said, “Together with Leonardo, we can help companies navigate a shifting technology landscape—extending the performance and lifespan of their systems while reducing program and certification risk.” These are Wind River statements about the collaboration, not independent assessments of project results. Wind River’s April 2, 2025 announcement
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
