Avionics Systems, Integration, and Technologies of the Light Transport Aircraft (Review Paper)

C.M. Ananda; K.G. Venkatanarayana; Preme M.; Raghu M.

doi:10.14429/dsj.61.1090

C.M. Ananda National Aerospace Laboratories, Bengaluru
K.G. Venkatanarayana National Aerospace Laboratories, Bengaluru
Preme M. National Aerospace Laboratories, Bengaluru
Raghu M. National Aerospace Laboratories, Bengaluru

DOI: https://doi.org/10.14429/dsj.61.1090

Keywords: ARINC 429, integrated modular avionics, engine indication crew alerting system, automatic flight control system, real-time simulation, failure mode effect analysis, light transport aircraft, line replaceable units

Abstract

Avionics of the present day comprises advanced technology and software-intensive systems. Earlier generation avionics constituted federated architecture and used line replaceable units (LRUs) having individual resources for each application with redundant hardware and software. However with the advancement of technology, methods,and mechanisms, the industry moved quite rapidly towards the integrated architecture called integrated modular avionics (IMA). Over the last decade there has been tremendous growth in these technologies which has resulted in reduced weight, volume, and developmental efforts. Usage of complex systems with advanced technologies and their certification for use in civil aircraft are the key issues to be addressed even today. Avionics of general aviation aircraft consists of typical systems like communication, navigation, display, radar, engine indication and data acquisition and recoding systems. These can be realised in federated as well as integrated architectures. TheLRUs requirements for avionics sub-system depends on the certification standards like FAR 23 or FAR 25. The whole cycle of architecture definition, integration, testing and means of compliance of the complete suite is the major activity in any new aircraft development programme. Development of ground-based test facilities and proper maintenance of the entire system on aircraft are other important activities in such programmes. These issues are presented in this paper for a typical light transport aircraft (LTA). The new technologies with their relevance, merits/de-merits, awareness of the global systems being adopted, etc., which are being attempted as indigenousdesign and development, are also presented.

Defence Science Journal, 2011, 61(4), pp.289-298, DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.14429/dsj.61.1090

Author Biographies

C.M. Ananda, National Aerospace Laboratories, Bengaluru

Mr C.M. Ananda obtained his MTech (Software Systems) from BITS, Pilani, in 2003. Presently, he is pursuing PhD in Reconfigurable avionics architectures. He is working at National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), Bengaluru on embedded systems, digital autopilot, engine instruments crew alerting systems, and stall warning system for Saras aircraft. His areas of interest are: Integrated modular avionics, flight-critical systems, embedded distributed system, reconfigurable avionics architectures and safety-critical software.

K.G. Venkatanarayana, National Aerospace Laboratories, Bengaluru

Mr K.G.Venkatanarayana obtained his MTech (Software Systems) from BITS, Pilani, in 2003. Presently working at NAL, Bengaluru, in avionics, engine instruments crew alerting systems, and stall warning system for Saras aircraft. His areas of interest are: Avionics system design and integration, Electrical systems and Power Systems.

Preme M., National Aerospace Laboratories, Bengaluru

Mrs Preme M obtained her BSc (Electronics) in 1987. She is working at NAL, Bengaluru, in avionics, engine instruments crew alerting systems, and stall warning system for Saras aircraft. Her areas of interest are: Avionics system integration, integration testing, calibration and maintenance tests of complete avionics systems.

Raghu M., National Aerospace Laboratories, Bengaluru

Mr Raghu M is working as Principal Technical Officer at NAL, Bengaluru.
He worked earlier in the development of strain measuring data logging systems, and development of foil type strain gauges. Presently involved in the design and development of electrical drawings and cable harness for Saras - production standard aircraft.