RTCA DO 297 Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA) Development Guide and Certification Issues

Published by the Radio Technical Aviation Commission (RTCA), the RTCA DO-297 standard contains guidance for Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA) developers, application developers, integrators, certification applicants, and those involved in the validation and continuing airworthiness of IMA systems in civil certification projects. This standard focuses on IMA-specific aspects of design assurance.

Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA) is defined as a flexible, reusable and interoperable set of hardware and software resources that, when integrated, creates a platform that provides services designed and validated according to a defined set of requirements to host applications that perform aircraft functions. It is an industry-accepted guideline for meeting airworthiness requirements for IMA components and describes the application specifications for their integration.

The RTCA DO-297 standard provides the fundamental integrated modular avionics realities and certification specifications according to the RTCA DO 178 standard. Since IMA represents the future of many systems compared to traditional standalone avionics, the RTCA DO-297 technical review provides information to help create successful avionics.

All avionics systems are integrated to some degree. Many avionics systems actually use output from other systems while sending their output to other systems. In this respect, it cannot be said that it creates a real integration.

Avionics is the cornerstone of modern aircraft. As technologies evolve, vital functions in military and civilian aircraft increasingly involve electronic devices. After the cost of the fuselage and engines, the most expensive item in an aircraft is the avionics. Many technologies have emerged in recent years, and advanced microprocessors are making their way into airplanes to provide new capabilities never before heard of. The aviation world is moving to satellite-based communications, navigation and surveillance for air traffic management. Both aircraft operators and air traffic service providers benefit greatly from this development.

Among the numerous tests, measurements, analyses, and evaluations our organization provides for businesses in various sectors, we also offer testing services related to Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA) development guidelines and certification under the RTCA DO 297 standard, utilizing a trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment.