An Analysis and Classification Process towards the Qualification of Autonomous Systems in Army Aviation

Beyond the original philosophical reasoning by Immanuel Kant (1778), autonomy has a foundation in experimental psychology and computer science (Sheridan and Verplanck, 1978). Technological research has expanded rapidly as computer technology advanced and became more readily available. As a result, there are several ways to define autonomy across various domains such as the automotive industry and robotics today. This paper adapts the available body of knowledge to develop an analytical airworthiness framework for classifying autonomous functions for use in Army Aviation systems. The framework described comprises four stages, and starts with a clear analysis and allocation of the task(s) to be performed, thereby allowing classification of the type of automation involved. The level of automation can then be evaluated, leading to determination of a means by which the consequences of failure can be identified and used as part of a safety case that forms the basis for airworthiness determinations.