Outline Programme

AVIONICS TRACK

Latest in Regulations and Mandates
As the industry transitions from the Single European Sky (SES) operational framework to a new European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) framework, what are the challenges of the new framework for aviation, in particular for manufacturers and ANSPs? What’s the latest with SESAR 3 in delivering the Digital European Sky? How will the new framework, comprising five regulations, increase interoperability, make the performance of ATM ground equipment more uniform, and support the introduction of innovative technologies to reduce air congestion? How do Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) navigate the implementation process of the new framework? Standardization and simplification of regulations are key objectives to ensure a smooth transition. The ongoing debate between EASA and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) highlights the complexities of international cooperation in aviation regulation. Additionally, the rapid development of drones and EVTOL aircraft necessitates updates to existing regulations to accommodate these emerging technologies.

Connectivity and Communications
The advent of 5G networks has brought significant advancements in connectivity, but also presents challenges, such as spectrum scarcity and potential interference with avionics systems. Spectrum co-existence strategies and advancements in datalink technology over Internet Protocol (IP), such as ACARS over IP, are essential to mitigate these issues. What is the status of connectivity systems for data transfer, Datalink implementation and future upgrades? Satellite communication (SATCOM) links play a crucial role in connecting aircraft to avionics and mission systems, providing secure and reliable data transmission. How can LEO and GEO Satellites contribute to the IFC connectivity equation? How is the transition from ACARS to remote data access offering significant improvements in efficiency and security? Centralized SATCOM-based data monitoring enables real-time insights and proactive maintenance, whilst integrating satellite technology with aircraft and ground stations creates a robust relay network, enhancing connectivity and enabling the seamless integration of new wireless systems. As the industry looks towards the future, 6G promises hyperconnectivity, with even higher speeds, lower latency, and enhanced capabilities, further revolutionizing communication and data exchange.

From Air to Ground
Safer skies rely on Air Traffic Management (ATM) systems that rely on Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) to ensure safe and efficient air traffic flow. ANSPs operating remote centres and towers managing airspace architecture, an integrated ATC, and coordinating aircraft movements, have an increasing workload. How do developments in 4D trajectory based ops (TBO) support air traffic flow? What’s the latest in Performance Based Navigation (PBN), and IRIS  Air Traffic Modernization Programme? Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionize ATM by improving separation standards, optimizing ground movement, and streamlining take-off procedures. What are the current discussions on AI teaming and online machine learning? By considering factors such as UAM, EVTOLs, UAVs, drone traffic, helicopter operations, and other aircraft types, AI can also assist in developing more efficient and resilient airspace management strategies.

AI and Automation in the Cockpit
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into aviation is rapidly transforming the industry. As AI capabilities advance, there is growing interest in exploring human autonomy, where AI systems share operational responsibilities with pilots. While regulations are evolving to address the implications of AI and Machine Learning in aviation, the relatively unregulated nature of EVTOL aircraft provides an opportunity. The EUROCAE WG114 working group is actively involved in developing technical standards for AI in aviation. AI can significantly enhance cockpit operations by assisting with data analysis and providing valuable insights. Automation and workload balance are also key considerations, as the increasing complexity of aircraft systems raises questions about the optimal number of crew members required. Connected flight management systems (FMS) play a vital role in facilitating data exchange and providing pilots with advanced decision-support tools. By emulating flight management functions, how can AI assist pilots in making better informed decisions and optimizing flight operations?

Cyber threats and security in Avionics and Air to Ground
The aviation industry faces a growing threat of cyberattacks that could compromise the safety and security of flight operations, both in the sky and on the ground, but what are these latest threats? How can aircraft avoid data leaks? GPS spoofing and jamming also pose specific risks to GNSS systems. With the increase in remote centres, how do we secure these developments? In addition to traditional cybersecurity measures, ensuring the integrity and reliability of wireless communications is crucial. Protecting avionics and air-to-ground systems from cyberattacks is vital for maintaining aviation safety.

Latest Technologies in the Cockpit/Flight Deck
Advancements in technologies plays a key role in the development of an efficient aircraft and enhance capabilities. How can Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology offer advanced capabilities for monitoring and surveillance in aviation? What can sensors and data fusion do for avionics, enhancing situational awareness and improving safety? How can fibre optic intercom systems provide interference-free communication, ensuring clear and reliable communication between crew members? How can Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) deliver affordable systems? The ongoing digitization and miniaturization trends in avionics lead to an increase in components and electronic devices, such as chips and GPUs, generating significant heat, particularly at high altitudes where air is thinner, so effective cooling solutions are essential to maintain the reliability and performance of avionics systems. By embracing new technologies, the aviation industry can also contribute to environmental targets by improving fuel efficiency, reducing emissions, and enhancing operational efficiency.

TESTING TRACK

Digitalisation of Testing and Certification
The digitalisation of avionics hardware and software testing and certification brings opportunities, but also challenges. Staff shortages and the need for skilled engineers with digital capabilities are significant concerns. Addressing these challenges requires effective training programs and strategies to attract new talent. The digital transformation of avionics testing necessitates a proactive approach to workforce development and the adoption of advanced testing methodologies, such as testing for data leaks and exploring the potential of virtual health monitoring or formalising Human Machine Interface (HMI) certification
in the context of avionics systems.

Complex Systems (Hardware and Software) Testing and Certification
New complex chips, often with multiple levels of cores, makes it difficult to understand their internal behaviour and design effective testing strategies, highlighting the challenges of certifying Systems on Chips (SoCs) in the context of multicore architectures.
Issues such as power management, firmware updates, and the use of GPUs further complicate the certification process – what is the best test approach and how much data is needed to determine a successful test? Data bus testing from ARINC 429 to 1553, how do you best test data on the bus? The ability to handle in-flight changes, which are more common in military applications but increasingly in civil aviation, requires specific testing approaches and standards. What are best practices with Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) and Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) testing? How do we achieve DO-178C Compliance? Overall, the visualisation, validation and certification in avionics systems necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the underlying hardware, software, and communication protocols.

Digital Twinning and Simulation
Digital twins are used for modeling, simulation and optimization, but the quality of the digital twin depends on the validity and accuracy of the data used to build it. While the level of scrutiny required for different types of digital twins varies, it’s crucial to ensure that the data is mapped correctly and meets quality standards. Airlines possess vast amounts of data, which can be used to build digital twins of their aircraft. However, certifying or qualifying a digital twin requires careful consideration of factors such as the component level or the entire aircraft being modeled. By combining AI with digital twins and utilizing model-based system engineering, the potential for data-driven insights and optimization increases significantly. How accurate and reliable is Real-time Simulation Testing? However, challenges like limited access to physical hardware and the need for accurate simulation and emulation must be addressed to ensure effective verification and testing.

AI and ML in Testing
AI and ML have provided some great opportunities for assisting speed and quality of testing, when such large amounts of data require analysis, and highlighted the importance of a robust testing strategy for AI systems. While AI can effectively analyze and digest large datasets, ensuring the quality of the AI algorithm and the accuracy of its model is paramount. Factors such as avoiding biases, balancing accuracy with computational costs, and considering on-board processing limitations must be carefully addressed. How can AI assist when an aircraft is in flight, no longer ‘connected’? Qualifying an AI tool involves defining parameters, setting targets, and identifying patterns within the data. How can accuracy be achieve with several AI algorithms running concurrently?

Multi-core and Multi-systems
The complexity of multi-core and multi-system architectures, often built using heterogeneous components like Systems on Chip (SoC), and the mixing of multi-core processors with Open Systems Architecture, provide challenges to test avionics systems, and make it difficult to understand their behavior and define comprehensive testing requirements. Traditional testing methods, designed for single-core systems, are not adequate for verifying the correctness and behavior of multicore systems. Issues like data control coupling, safety critical multicore timing analysis, determinism and the need for extensive coverage testing further complicate the process. What are the latest AMC20-193 guidelines, having replaced CAST-32A? It is important to understand the underlying hardware and software components to effectively test and verify multicore and multisystem avionics systems.

New Languages and Tools for Testing
The evolving landscape of software testing in avionics, may have emphasized the need for new languages and tools to address future challenges. While traditional programming languages have been the mainstay, there is a growing interest in model-based approaches and alternative languages like RUST and CHERI. We need to consider emerging technologies like hardware extensions and containerization when developing new testing tools. Containerization, in particular, has revolutionized software development by enabling the creation of reusable code modules. What are the latest trends, tools and developing languages in testing? As the avionics industry continues to evolve, it is essential to invest in innovative testing tools and methodologies to ensure the safety and reliability of software systems.