Design, implementation and validation of a software data loading application for avionics equipment in AFDX network using COTS Ethernet

The use of loadable systems whose functionality may be changed or updated using onboard loadable software has become one of the most important improvements in aircraft systems design, and has an important impact in the aircraft production process. The current paper describes the design and implementation of a software data loading application for avionics equipment over an AFDX network, developed for Airbus Defence and Space. A standard Ethernet COTS board is employed with no external hardware needed. It is also described the successful testing and integration of the application in the A400M FAL facilities with avionics devices, resulting in a reliable application that showed a performance improvement over the existing data loading system. Thanks to the flexibility achieved, possible future works with the application are introduced.