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Abstract
This paper describes an avionics architecture suitable to combine military avionics needs with requirements of a civil environment. In past decades systems where designed for operation in a military environment with less or no interface to systems outside this scenario.Civil avionics were set up in the same way as federated systems comprising dedicated LRUs, each covering a well-segregated function. However, in the past decade more and more functionality was added to civil aircraft, including functions with contributions from more than one system. Thus data exchange requirements increased. At the same time advances in computer processing capability, software technology and network technology paved the way for Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA) approaches built around advanced interface networks, e.g. ARINC 664.Driven by cost as well as by functionality, the decision was made for the European Military Transport Aircraft A400M to define a basic vehicle avionics concept supporting all operations in a civil environment derived from state of the art commercial avionics lay outs from air transportation platforms, complemented by system packages to perform the military tasks. Consequently civil certification standards and procedures were applied and a so-called "basic aircraft" will receive a civil type certificate from EASA.
The paper describes several options to complement a civil avionics architecture with military functions.