Results of implementing a disciplined avionic development process: advanced design for quality avionic systems (ADQAS)

Producers and integrators of military avionic systems have long had to deal with implementing highly integrated and complex systems. The commercial sector is beginning to face these same issues and has realized that routine development and test approaches are inadequate. For example, the FAA is about to publish Aerospace Recommended Practice (ARP) 4754 which describes a new approach to certifying highly integrated or complex aircraft systems. This ARP introduces the concept of assuring the integrity of a system development process as a means of certification. The ARP also recognizes that highly integrated or complex avionic systems require a development process much more disciplined and structured than in the past. The Advanced Design for Quality Avionic Systems (ADQAS) process, a joint Air Force, McDonnell Douglas Aerospace, and Hughes Aerospace Electronics Co. development, provides the requisite discipline and structure. The ADQAS process is entirely suitable for both military and commercial application. Implementation of the ADQAS process has been taking place on the McDonnell Douglas F-15 Program. The quality of the ADQAS implementation is being scrupulously evaluated by both MDA and the Air Force. This paper reports the results of the ADQAS implementation and lessons learned.