Bringing Edge AI to Rugged Avionics Platforms with the Ballard NG3 AI Accelerator

Artificial intelligence is increasingly moving closer to the edge, allowing data to be processed directly where it is generated. For aerospace and defence platforms, this creates opportunities to introduce intelligent processing while working within demanding space, weight, power and environmental constraints.

Astronics’ Ballard NG3 AI Accelerator is designed to address these requirements by combining advanced AI processing with a proven rugged avionics computing platform.

Rugged AI Processing at the Edge

The Ballard NG3 AI Accelerator combines the Hailo-8R AI processor with Astronics’ NG3 avionics computing platform to deliver a compact, low-SWaP solution for edge AI applications.

The platform provides up to 13 TOPS of AI inference at approximately 3 TOPS per watt, making it suitable for environments where computing performance needs to be balanced with limited power and space.

The NG3 is also designed for demanding operating conditions, with qualification to DO-160, MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-461 and MIL-STD-704. These standards address requirements including shock, vibration, electromagnetic interference and power variations commonly encountered in rugged aerospace and defence environments.

AI Meets Native Avionics Connectivity

A key feature of the NG3 AI Accelerator is its integration of AI processing with native avionics interfaces.

The platform supports MIL-STD-1553, ARINC 429/708/717, discrete I/O and Ethernet, allowing it to connect directly with aircraft databuses and sensors.

By bringing these interfaces and AI processing together within a single platform, the NG3 can help reduce additional hardware, protocol conversion requirements, wiring and system complexity. It also builds on the existing NG Family ecosystem, providing a pathway for programmes looking to introduce AI capabilities without completely redesigning their existing architectures.

Supporting Intelligent Edge Applications

At the heart of the NG3 is the Hailo-8R Neural Processing Unit (NPU), providing on-device AI inference for a range of workloads.

The platform supports vision, signal and sensor-fusion applications, with potential workloads including object detection and tracking, audio processing and onboard decision support.

Processing these workloads directly at the edge can bring AI capabilities closer to onboard sensors and systems, supporting applications where efficient and timely processing is important.

The NG3 AI Accelerator is also aligned with Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) principles and COTS deployment requirements, supporting the continued integration of AI into evolving aerospace and defence architectures.

Enabling the Next Generation of Edge AI

As aerospace and defence systems become increasingly connected and data-driven, the ability to integrate AI into rugged, space- and power-constrained platforms will continue to play an important role in the development of intelligent systems.

The Ballard NG3 AI Accelerator brings together AI processing, avionics connectivity and rugged computing in a compact platform designed for demanding environments, with applications spanning airborne platforms, ground vehicles and unmanned systems.

As an authorised distributor of Astronics solutions, Oriens Group supports customers exploring advanced avionics, rugged computing and AI technologies for aerospace, defence and other mission-critical applications.

Contact Oriens to learn more about the Ballard NG3 AI Accelerator and Astronics’ advanced avionics solutions.