Environmental definition of a multi-platform avionics system

The author discusses the process of developing a general life cycle history for a multi-platform avionics system using the mission profiles and mission mixes of the different aircraft. In addition, a method of specifying the proper overall composite operating environment is offered. It is shown that quality and integrity can be designed into avionics/electronics equipment when the environmental criteria are evaluated and understood. These criteria can be implemented into the design, and the design developed from a known set of conditions. In the case of multiple platforms, a method of comparison and further tailoring of environments to take into account extremes and the special conditions of each platform is required. The overall composite environment is the result of defining an envelope that contains the extremes of all the platforms and incorporates the levels and durations for these extremes. These environments can then be incorporated into the test and evaluation program to assure that the equipment will perform properly in its intended environment