AEROSPACE & DEFENSE PROGRAMS

UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS 

MSS was selected by CDL Systems for its DO-178B expertise to provide expert consulting on CDL Systems’ ground station software developed for various US Army unmanned air vehicles. The work was conducted in conjunction with AAI Corporation and General Atomics. 

MSS responsibilities included a Systems Safety Assessment resulting in the generation of a Functional Hazard Assessment (FHA) as well as a Preliminary Systems Safety Assessment (PSSA) for the VCS-4586 software system.  The objectives of this program were to:

• Identify the anticipated certification basis
• Identify the design assurance levels for ground based software
• Recommend optimal software partitioning to RTCA/DO-178B, Levels A to E

The project was completed in October 2008.

SC-205, Software Considerations, is preparing an update to D0-178B, Software Considerations in Airborne Systems and Equipment Certification and DO-248B, Report for Clarification of DO-178B and DO-278 additional work will be determined.

The guidance of this joint special committee/working group is needed to leverage technology developed in the computer and communication industries for use in the aviation industry. The guidance will provide means to achieve approval of both airborne and CNS/ATM software.

OBJECTIVES:

• To promote safe implementation of aeronautical software.
• To provide clear and consistent ties with the systems and safety processes.
• To address emerging software trends and technologies.
• To address an approach that can change with the technology.

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