Advanced avionics architecture standardization issues

There is an ongoing dialogue within the DoD addressing the incorporation of commercial standards into tactical avionics computer systems. At on extreme are the proponents of “open systems architectures” who claim this is a proven approach to providing a cost-effective system. At the other extreme are the proponents of a “requirements driven architectures”, such as the JIAWG approach, who claim this is the only approach to developing a tactical avionics computer system. Both groups have valid claims which need to be considered. This paper defines a framework to address these issues and then proposes an approach to defining a cost-effective tactical avionics computer system which is based upon preservation of the system engineering process and the role of standards in this process. The recommended responsibilities of the program and standardization agencies are detailed