Florida-based urban air mobility company Varon Vehicles is integrating a software connectivity framework from Real-Time Innovations (RTI) into its traffic management system (TMS).

Californian firm RTI claims to be the largest software framework company for autonomous systems. Varon is developing infrastructure networks, which are vertiports with virtual, connected aerial lanes and fleets of urban electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft servicing between them.

Varon will provide diverse transportation services in different markets in need of connection with these forms of mobility infrastructure, eliminating the need for per-kilometre construction.

RTI says its Connext DDS enables the future of urban air mobility (UAM) by supplying the software connectivity framework for all vehicle sensors and systems to communicate vehicle intelligence in milliseconds. Connext underpins vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communications with security and resilience, while enabling the vehicle management infrastructure to scale according to demand, all while optimising control and efficiency.

Additionally, Connext provides commercial RTCA DO-178C and Euro CAE ED-12C DAL A certification evidence, accelerating the path to UAM safety certification and airworthiness.

“We are proud to work with RTI as we plan for implementation of our operations and progress with the integration of the components required in our infrastructure networks,” said Felipe Varon, CEO and founder. “RTI Connext delivers the communication and data fusion capabilities necessary to enable high-end reliability and safety of all the systems we need to bring together. Data management robustness, reliability and real-time performance are critical in the highly automated environments required in our infrastructure networks.”

Chip Downing, senior market development director at RTI, added “Urban air mobility platforms and ground infrastructure systems have unique requirements and face complex challenges as they move towards wide-spread, commercial deployment. Futuristic transport systems like these provide the industry with safe, convenient options. We are pleased to work with Varon Vehicles as they drive UAM innovation and build a powerful infrastructure system for UAM in Latin America.”

Field proven in over 1700 design wins, including more than 250 autonomous systems, Connext serves as the connectivity framework for both autonomous air and ground support systems. With an ecosystem of avionics and autonomous system partners, RTI enables rapid prototyping, accelerated development and deployment cycles, and reduced programme risk.

RTI is privately held and headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, with regional offices in Colorado, Spain and Singapore.

• Varon Vehicles and D3 Technologies have signed an MoU stating that D3 will be a partner in Varon’s ecosystem paving the way to urban air mobility. California-based D3 develops technology for highly automated and safe commercial passenger transport in urban air spaces.