Rapid systems integration of navigation avionics

The authors illustrate the techniques and philosophies of using simulations as a tool to help reduce the cost and schedule associated with navigation system integration. The ES-3A navigation integration is use to illustrate specific implementation considerations and lessons learned. The approach for this project was to reuse generic aircraft flight simulation software developed under previous programs and add avionics modules unique to this platform as needed. It is concluded that the DASL (Digital Avionics System Laboratory) has been a valuable asset in testing and integrating the ES-3A navigation and steering software. The lab offered a dynamic environment in which to test the entire navigation effort of the flight computer in high-risk situations which could not be tested during flight test. The environment made it possible to prove the fault-tolerance of the navigation and steering software prior to flight test