Risk-based alternatives to the DO-178C software design assurance process

RTCA Document DO-178C, Software Considerations in Airborne Systems and Equipment Certification, and its predecessor DO-178B are regarded as the “gold standard” for aviation software design assurance leading to safe software on aircraft, but they can impose additional costs on avionics developers, particularly those not experienced with the process. It also cannot easily be applied to previously developed software (PDS) or systems. This paper illustrates that there are alternatives to the DO-178C software design assurance process that may work for certain applications either with previously developed or new avionics for UAS, general aviation, and military operators while maintaining the safety of the airspace for all users.