Intelligent Edge Technologies for Aviation

Strategies to Capitalize on Increasingly Software-Intensive Flight Systems

Shifting functionality of onboard aviation systems to software rather than using traditional hardware approaches makes them more cost-efficient, flexible, and future ready. Intelligent edge technologies are essential to take full advantage of this transition.

Longevity is critical to the cost-effectiveness of civilian and military aviation systems. To extend their lifespans, it must be possible to update those systems as needed, both to maintain and to add functionality. The inherently more dynamic nature of software-based versus hardware-based systems supports continuous updates and system modernization. As a result, the level of software-defined functionality in aviation systems has grown steadily over time. Maintenance based on installing code rather than system boards is simpler and more costeffective, which makes incremental changes possible for more granular control and heightened cyber resiliency.