Joint Opening Keynote session
As Europe implements the SES2+ regulation and the new set of EASA‑led interoperability rules, manufacturers and ANSPs face deadlines for certifying equipment, aligning to harmonised performance requirements, and integrating emerging technologies such as drones and eVTOLs. SESAR 3 is central to delivering the Digital European Sky, with efforts to advance automation, AI integration and virtualised […]
Modernizing CNS: Bridging Technology and Stakeholder Needs in Evolving Airspace
The evolution of Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance (CNS) systems is essential for Trajectory Based Operations (TBO) and broad adoption of 4D Trajectories. Modern airspace operations rely on secure, resilient, real time data exchange using ADS B, Mode S, VHF, SATCOM, and scalable digital architectures to support rising traffic and new unmanned systems. At the same […]
Cybersecurity in Connectivity and the Cockpit
Cybersecurity in aviation faces critical challenges including GNSS vulnerabilities such as jamming, spoofing, and interference, compounded by increasing connectivity. Avionics systems are increasingly networked and the integration of Electronic Flight Bags (EFBs), often consumer devices like iPads, introduces risks of data manipulation through two-way gateways to the flight deck. Maintenance tools and cabin systems pose […]
AI and ML are emerging in aerospace and avionics, raising complex testing and certification challenges, presenting significant verification and validation challenges. AI use cases are broadly categorized into narrow/specialized AI (e.g., object detection) and generative models, which pose greater unpredictability due to non-deterministic outputs. Current architectures favour non-safety-critical, passive AI/ML systems operating in parallel with […]
Model-Driven Testing and Certification: Digital Twins, Tools, and Languages for Next-Gen Avionics
Advanced avionics systems demand a shift in how we test and certify software. This session explores the rise of model-driven approaches—spanning digital twins, simulation, and model-based testing—alongside emerging tools and languages like Rust and CHERI. These technologies promise improved scalability, security, and assurance, but also raise new challenges for validation and certification. How can simulation, […]
Panel Discussion: Meeting Certification Standards – Barrier to Entry?
While certification standards safeguard safety and reliability, their rigidity and escalating costs may deter innovation and small-market participation. Inconsistencies across commercial, military, VTOL, and UAV certification frameworks further complicate compliance. Limited data sharing also hinders assurance for advanced cockpit systems, as more tech is introduced to support the pilot. In the wake of the 737 […]
As aviation systems adopt open architectures, aligning the Future Airborne Capability Environment (FACE) with NATO and other international standards is essential to achieving global interoperability. This session explores how the FACE Consortium—now an international community—is promoting a common approach to software portability and integration while encouraging broader international engagement in standards development and alignment. Discussion […]
Avionics is shifting from monolithic systems to open, modular architectures guided by the Future Airborne Capability Environment (FACE) standard. FACE defines common interfaces and data models to enable software portability, reuse, and faster integration across airborne platforms—principles now embedded in UK programmes such as PYRAMID and Team Tempest. While shared compute and software-defined functionality increase […]
Data Modelling for Faster Integration: The FACE Approach
Open architectures and emerging technologies are reshaping how avionics systems are integrated. Within the Future Airborne Capability Environment (FACE), data modelling—through the Open Universal Domain Description Language (Open UDDL)—provides a common, extensible method for defining and exchanging data. By eliminating ambiguity and supporting model-based engineering, Open UDDL accelerates integration and enables greater reuse of COTS […]
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are increasingly integrated into avionics systems and safety-critical environments to enhance capabilities. AI/ML is being used at the aircraft, not just in it, including sensor fusion, target recognition, predictive maintenance, flight control, adaptive mission systems, and autonomous UAVs. EUROCAE WG-114 is formalizing the first AI-specific aviation standard (target […]
Obsolescence management - Legacy Systems & Fleet Modernization
Managing obsolescence in aerospace involves extending the life of 1st/2nd generation systems, often without full documentation or original engineers. Legacy avionics remain common, but retrofitting them to meet modern standards is complex and costly. Integration of new hardware/software with outdated architectures requires deep understanding of original design rationale. Key technical challenges include sourcing end-of-life components, […]
As AI, automation, and virtual systems transform flight decks, the relationship between pilots and machines is being redefined. We explore the evolution from traditional interfaces and autopilots to true human–machine teaming, where the pilot remains central “in the loop.” How can intelligent systems generate and communicate scenarios, assist decision-making, and how emerging technologies—such as AR-enabled […]
Validation and Certification Challenges in Complex Aerospace Systems: From Mixed-Critical Architectures to Fit-to-Fly Testing
The drive to reduce SWaP (Size, Weith and Power) through integrating mixed-critical functions on shared architectures demands rigorous testing of fault, time, and space isolation between safety-critical and non-critical partitions, including worst-case execution and interference scenarios in compliance with EASA CS-25 and ARINC 653. Concurrently, VTOL and UAV platforms require system-level validation of performance, autonomy, […]
Cybersecurity requirements are now integral to the verification and validation (V&V) process for avionics and embedded systems, driven by mandatory compliance with DO-326A / ED-202A series under EASA Part 21 and FAA Special Conditions for connected systems. With increased network exposure (e.g., ACARS, ADS-B, SWIM, onboard Wi-Fi), system-level cybersecurity testing is prioritized alongside traditional safety […]
Environmental testing ensures avionics systems perform reliably under diverse operational conditions. Methods such as signal integrity, functional, modular, and simulation testing help identify failures early by validating system behaviour under stress, isolation, and real-world scenarios—including faults and extreme environments, such as extreme temperatures, humidity, and pressure. These tests are critical for safety and cost-effective development. […]
Standards, Regulations and Mitigation Challenges for Multicore
Multicore processors are key to the future of avionics, offering greater performance, reduced SWaP, and support for advanced real-time applications. This session will provide an overview of the certification landscape shaping multicore avionics systems. Gain clarity on evolving standards—DO-178C, DO-254, CAST-32A, and AMC 20-193—and their impact on safety, determinism, and interference mitigation. The discussion aims […]
The multicore hardware roadmap focuses on delivering deterministic, safety-certifiable processors that meet escalating performance requirements without sacrificing reliability. Hardware designers must implement robust spatial and temporal isolation, minimize core and shared resource interference, and comply with DO-254, CAST-32A, and AMC 20-193 standards. Critical questions remain: Is current hardware sufficiently mature for safety-critical certification? How are […]
Architecture and Software Development & Certification
Most software development complies with standards like DO-178C and AMC 20-193, prioritizing determinism, partitioning, and interference mitigation. How can hardware-software co-design enable robust scheduling, partitioning, and interference management, ensuring deterministic system behaviour. Furthermore, what does verification and certification truly entail for multicore avionics platforms, considering the complex interplay between hardware and software in safety-critical environments?