853d Electronic Systems Group Navigation Data Chain Certification Prepared by: 853rd ELSG/NT Electronic Systems Center Hanscom AFB, MA 23 May 2008
Nav Data Chain Certification Overview Background Why certify the navigation data chain? Navigation data chain What is being certified? Direction and authority Who is responsible for certification? Three types of certification How the 853rd ELSG certifies the data chain Process Improvement Recent and future changes
Background Why Certify the Navigation Data Chain? Why does USAF certify the navigation data chain? Military aircraft must exercise due regard for the safety of navigation of civil aircraft USAF compliance/interoperability with civil CNS/ATM and safety policies/standards is required for unfettered global airspace access Although civil aviation authorities cannot mandate system capability for the military, failure to equip for civil compliance can force aircraft to fly nonoptimum profiles, experience delays, or be denied entry to specific airspace A certified data-chain is required for access to certain CNS/ATM restricted airspaces, such as RNP-4 or below DOD Policy emphasizes compliance with civil airspace requirements to ensure safety and access Navigation data integrity is crucial for maintaining safety-of-flight, navigation performance, and mission effectiveness
Navigation Data Chain What is being certified?
Navigation Data Chain What is being certified? ESC 853rd ELSG certifies that navigation data integrity is consistent with civil standards Determine that operations on the data do not impair data quality Operations on data => e.g. format changes, coordinate changes, transformations, etc. Data quality => e.g., accuracy, resolution, integrity, etc. Compliance consistent with civil standards is documented in Data Processing Matrix ESC 853 rd ELSG does not guarantee the quality (e.g., accuracy) of data from external sources ESC 853 rd ELSG currently certifies only up to Level 2 ESSENTIAL data The FMS is part of the performance assessment process, not data-chain certification Certification is currently limited to the use of digital data as a secondary source of navigation data FLIP is still primary source
Direction and Authority Who is responsible for certification? Air Force Policy and Instruction AFPD 63-13, CNS/ATM and Navigation Safety Performance for USAF Aircraft 2.6. 853rd ELSG will: 2.6.10. Certify the preparation and distribution of Digital Aeronautical Flight Information File (DAFIF) navigation data in accordance with the civil requirements for use on the aircraft. AFI 63-1301, Assurance of CNS/ATM and Navigation Safety Performance 2.6 853rd ELSG will: 2.6.9. Certify Air Force Mission Planning Systems navigation data processing will meet CNS/ATM requirements and provide the Aircraft SPM with the necessary verification evidence to assure Airworthiness Certification of the mission planning system prior to the start of dedicated OT&E. Relevant civil requirements and guidance RTCA/DO-200A, Standards for Processing Aeronautical Data RTCA/DO-201A, Standards for Aeronautical Information FAA AC 20-153, Acceptance of Data Processes and Associated Navigation Databases
Direction and Authority Who is responsible for certifying? Air Force Policy and Instruction AFPD 63-13, CNS/ATM and Navigation Safety Performance for USAF Aircraft 2.6. 853rd ELSG will: 2.6.10. Certify the preparation and distribution of Digital Aeronautical Flight Information File (DAFIF) navigation data in accordance with the civil requirements for use on the aircraft. AFI 63-1301, Assurance of CNS/ATM and Navigation Safety Performance 2.6 853rd ELSG will: 2.6.9. Certify Air Force Mission Planning Systems navigation data processing will meet CNS/ATM requirements and provide the Aircraft SPM with the necessary verification evidence to assure Airworthiness Certification of the mission planning system prior to the start of dedicated OT&E. Relevant civil requirements and guidance RTCA/DO-200A, Standards for Processing Aeronautical Data RTCA/DO-201A, Standards for Aeronautical Information Three different Navigation Data FAA AC 20-153, Acceptance of Data Processes and Associated Chain Navigation certification Databases activities are called out in AFPD 63-13 and AFI 63-1301
Three Types of Certification How the 853rd certifies a data chain Type 1: Preparation Type 2: Distribution Tool: Mission Planning Software Subject of Certification Navigation Data Supplier (General) Navigation Data Chain (Specific) Data Processing Tool (Specific) Requirement Sources RTCA/DO-200A RTCA/DO-201A FAA AC 20-153 DAFIF Product Spec RTCA/DO-200A RTCA/DO-201A FAA AC 20-153 Data Quality Req RTCA/DO-200A RTCA/DO-201A FAA AC 20-153 Data Quality Req Focus of Audit DAFIF production process Data processing, Software tools, Error reporting Software tool validation, Tool s ability to maintain data quality Scope of Certification NGA as a certified data supplier Data chain for use on a specific aircraft Specific version of a data processing tool in context of a particular data chain
Process Improvement Recent and Future Changes Recent and In-Process Changes Internal 853rd Process Improvements Documented process descriptions Explicit identification of the artifact being audited Explicit identification of requirements applied to each audit Clarified statement of what the certification means Extend Type 2 audits to address DAFIF distribution in addition to software tool Retain Tool Certification to address specific direction in AFI 63-1301 Future Changes (Planned) Audit CRITICAL data in support of RNP-0.3 operations Audit strong validation of CRITICAL data Establish confidence in audit processes for CRITICAL data