EKF delivers Quick-Look-System for Aircraft of DLR
The Quick-Look-System for the HALO research aircraft is a joint project between DLR and EKF Elektronik.
EKF Elektronik developed and manufactured the boards for the system.
HALO – High Altitude and Long Range Research Aircraft
HALO is a research aircraft that is funded by grants from diverse partners and DLR. DLR helds both roles, operator and owner of the aircraft. It is based on a modified Gulfstream G550 business jet, which has been extensively adapted for scientific purposes.
HALO is designed for atmospheric and climate research, offering a unique platform to study processes in up to the lower stratosphere, reaching altitudes of over 15 kilometers and offering a flight range of more than 8,000 kilometers. This allows scientists to investigate large-scale atmospheric phenomena, such as greenhouse gases, aerosols, clouds, and chemical interactions that affect the climate system.
It enables scientists to perform large-scale investigations of key atmospheric components and processes -including greenhouse gases, aerosols, clouds, and chemical interactions – that shape the climate system.
The aircraft is 29.4 meters long (without noseboom), 7.9 meters high and has a wingspan of 28.5 metres.
What is a Quick-Look-System?
A Quick-Look-System (QL) is a component of the Basic HALO Measurement and Sensor System (BAHAMAS) and serves as a vital interface between HALO’s internal aircraft systems (from cockpit to basic measurement systems) and the external campaign measurement systems onboard.
With QL, basic measurement system data – including ARINC and ASCB-D avionics bus data – is processed in real time and flows seamlessly between internal and external campaign measurement equipment, delivering in situ quick-look data to scientists and their campaign instruments in the cabin and on the ground.
The Quick-Look-System contributes to a smooth, secure, and efficient measurement flight and supports the research team – both on board and on the ground – in their decision-making.
What’s inside the QL?
The Quick-Look-System features two CPU boards, SC9 and S42. It also has a replaceable fan and a stainless steel housing.
Together, these components form a robust and customized system designed to perform reliably under reduced and fluctuating cabin pressure, as well as pronounced and variable temperature gradients, which are typical conditions during HALO research flights.
SC9-TOCCATA
The SC9-TOCCATA sets a new benchmark for performance and flexibility in industrial computing. Designed for demanding applications, this 4HP/3U CompactPCI® Serial CPU board integrates the powerful Intel® 11th Generation XEON® Processor (Tiger Lake H45 platform) to deliver exceptional processing capabilities and reliability.
S42-MC
Besides, the S42-MC is a low-profile mezzanine module designed to expand the functionality of EKF CompactPCI® Serial CPU boards. It provides flexible options for wireless connectivity and additional mass storage, making it an excellent choice for industrial and embedded applications.
Personal Handover of the System
In August 2025, the responsible sales representative from EKF personally traveled to the German Aerospace Center (DLR) to deliver the very first system of its kind. The visit marked an important milestone in the ongoing collaboration between EKF and DLR.
During an eventful and productive day at the DLR facilities, the EKF representative and the responsible DLR research assistant conducted initial functional tests together. Installation in the aircraft will take place next year, enabling future missions to be carried out with the latest equipment.
The on-site delivery provided an excellent opportunity to exchange technical expertise, discuss future developments, and strengthen the partnership between EKF and DLR. Both parties expressed their satisfaction with the successful commissioning and the promising results achieved during the first test phase.
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