Transformation of Mission-Critical Applications in Aviation to Cyber-Physical Systems

This chapter provides an in-depth analysis of mission-critical applications in aviation that involve the decision triad of aircraft, Flight Operations Control (FOC), and the Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP). A characterization of operations and system requirements is carried out to provide bases for identifying cyber-physical system (CPS) transformation opportunities. Transformation opportunities are examined from the perspectives of the aircraft, the FOC, and the ANSP respectively. Benefits provided by the transformation and the challenges faced by this transformation are discussed, with potential path for addressing them identified. It is concluded that CPS integration is already happening in some segments, and ultimately an industry-wide transformation can be achieved.