Integrated Modular Avionics System - Where are the Real Development Challenges

IMA technology dates back to the 1990's. The first IMA platform - The Common Integrated Processor - was introduced on the F-22 [14]. Civil applications started with the AIMS platform on the B777 [15]. The benefits of using this technology in aviation is undisputable. However, the deployment can come at a cost in added complexity. This paper addresses factors that impact this complexity. We will demonstrate that a well-managed IMA process can result in enabling all the benefits of the platform while minimizing additional complexity.