The Challenges and Advances in COTS Software for Avionics Systems

This presentation discusses the challenges involved in the development, deployment and through-life support of civil and military avionics applications. The challenges and pressures which have led to the increasing widespread adoption of COTS software components for mission-critical and safety-critical avionics in relation to DO-178B / ED-12B and UK MOD Defence Standard 00-56 are considered. The potential pitfalls and benefits of COTS adoption are also considered, with reference to software portability, risk reduction and planned obsolescence. The role of open standards in integrated modular avionics (IMA) and the drive towards modular and incremental safety certification are also considered.