Methods for the Verification and Validation of Digital Flight Control Systems

Maturing technology and cost savings have made digital systems increasingly attractive to commercial aviation. Taking this opportunity, the major jet transport manufacturers are offering digital mechanized flight control and avionics systems on their new and derivative models. Although there exists a consensus within industry that the essential assurance technology is available, there is a lack of government criteria and experience for the best way to proceed in the certification of digital systems. As a result, NASA and FAA, with assistance from industry, have developed a program to improve the government's understanding of airborne digital systems assurance technology, and to evaluate and improve the tools and methods of this technology. A near-term, representative digital flight control system will be utilized to evaluate the tools and methods that are developed. A series of workshops and symposiums are being held to keep the government and industry apprised of this work.