Military requirements constrain COTS utilization

In the past, our military systems have required technology not readily available in the industrial and commercial areas. This is no longer the case. Commercial products and practices offer the potential of reduced costs, lower risk and faster technology infusion. In order to achieve the potential benefits, our current methods of acquisition need change but it is important to review the background behind the institution of military standards and to assess their continued validity and to understand why. Also, before we rush to the conclusion that military specifications and standards are preferred for avionics over commercial products and practices, it is useful to review the specific requirements. In the past, in the absence of military specifications and standards, situations arose where items were developed using existing industrial and commercial products, processes and practices that at times led to catastrophic results or were inadequate to meet the threat. It is comforting that those who demand change show wisdom by asking that change be conducted with care and the impact understood. However, some use hyperbole in condemning the reliance on military specifications and standards and insist that their elimination is a good thing. In the domain of high performance aircraft avionics the potential for change is likely to be limited without an in-depth comprehension of the military environment, requirements and the capability of commercial products to satisfy them.