📘 About the Client
A global aerospace engineering leader and Tier-1 supplier to major aircraft OEMs. The client develops advanced avionics and engine control systems for both commercial and defense aircraft, demanding uncompromising compliance with safety-critical software standards such as DO-178B Level A.
🏢 Industry
Aerospace & Defense | Avionics | Embedded Systems | Safety-Critical Software | High-Tech Engineering
🏷️ Project Title
Verification & Validation of Aircraft Engine Control Software – DO-178B Level ‘A’ Compliance
📌 Scope of Work
- Conduct full-cycle Verification & Validation (V&V) for ADA-based embedded engine control modules
- Migrate legacy RTRT test suites to the latest generation tools, ensuring zero regression
- Automate unit testing, coverage analysis, and regression reporting using industry-standard scripting
- Create audit-ready artifacts and traceability matrices aligned with FAA/EASA DO-178B Level A
- Deliver under a fixed-cost model with a strict 16-week delivery window
⚠️ Key Challenges
| Challenge | Description |
| ✅ Certification Compliance | Required 100% coverage, MC/DC testing, and strict traceability per DO-178B Level A guidelines |
| 🔄 RTRT Test Suite Migration | Upgrade to the latest generation with zero performance or coverage regression |
| 🛠 Specialized Tech Stack | Needed niche expertise in ADA, Green Hills Compiler, and Rational Test RealTime (RTRT) |
| ⏳ Fixed Time & Budget | Delivery mandated within 16 weeks under a fixed-price engagement with no extensions |
💡 Solutions Implemented
| Solution Area | Details |
| 🧪 Unit Testing | Developed 350+ unit test cases to validate all control logic paths against the SDD |
| 🔁 Test Migration | Migrated 100% of legacy test cases to upgraded RTRT with zero loss in functionality or output |
| 🔍 Traceability Matrix | Established full traceability from requirements to test cases, in line with DO-178B Level A |
| 🔧 Automation & Scripting | Used PERL scripts for automation of test harness, regression cycles, and result logging—saved 120+ hours |
| 📋 Certification Readiness | Produced validation matrices, logs, and compliance checklists for DO-178B audit preparedness |
🛠️ Technology Stack
| Layer | Tools / Technologies |
| Programming Language | ADA |
| Testing Tool | RTRT (IBM Rational Test RealTime) |
| Compiler | Green Hills Software (GHS) |
| Scripting | PERL for automation of test execution, logging, and report generation |
| Standards | FAA/EASA DO-178B Level A (highest safety-critical compliance) |
🤝 Suventure’s Role as Strategic Partner
Suventure functioned as the exclusive V&V services provider, managing the end-to-end delivery of DO-178B testing and certification artifacts:
- Assembled a dedicated team of certified avionics testing engineers and ADA experts
- Authored and executed 350+ functional and structural test cases for embedded engine control modules
- Ensured flawless migration to the latest RTRT generation with automated regressions and zero test failures
- Delivered under a fixed-price model, maintaining complete transparency on schedule, scope, and cost
- Created comprehensive DO-178B documentation (TRRs, traceability matrices, test logs, code coverage reports)
- Supported client QA teams and auditors through pre-certification reviews and regulatory inspection readiness
📈 Results Achieved
| Key Metric | Result |
| ✅ On-Time Project Delivery | Delivered 100% of scope within 16 weeks under strict fixed-price terms |
| 🔍 Traceability Compliance | Achieved 100% requirement-to-test coverage, verified via audit trail |
| 🔄 Zero Regression | 0% test failures during or after RTRT test suite migration |
| 📉 Manual Effort Reduction | PERL scripting reduced 30%+ of manual test effort, saving 2 weeks QA time |
| ✈️ Certification Preparedness | Client achieved DO-178B Level A readiness, passed audit with minor revisions |
| 💼 ROI | Estimated $200,000+ savings from automation, predictable cost, and audit readiness |
💬 Client Testimonial
“Suventure brought both technical excellence and a deep understanding of DO-178B standards. Their team executed the V&V work with precision and professionalism. The project was a critical success factor in our product certification, and Suventure exceeded expectations at every step.”
— Director of Software Engineering, [Confidential Aerospace Client]