COTS products in Military Avionics Applications- A Customer Perspective

This presentation examines some of the key considerations needed when exploring the possibilities of embodying off-the-shelf (OTS) features in military avionics and related applications. Risks that have been identified in recent military procurements are discussed, together with the need for early consideration of flight criticality issues. Lessons learned need to be taken forward effectively, and standards need to be put in place and fully understood by both provider and customer from the earliest procurement stage. Limitations that result from the use of OTS features need to be properly assessed and the disadvantages weighed in an effective Investment Appraisal approach from the outset.