Investigation of non-algorithmic software in flight control

Current implementations of aircraft flight control systems are an amalgam of numerous, discrete algorithms and various switching mechanisms. The switching mechanisms bring the algorithms into play either independently or in some form of combination. Advanced computing techniques, such as expert systems, can play a role by separating out the algorithm scheduling and making it more visible. By lessening the complexity both the integrity and capability should be improved. An alternative and more controversial approach is to use adaptive, learning and optimisation techniques such as neural networks. These offer advantages by removing the need for algorithm creation through learning, provide graceful degradation when elements fail and can adapt to subsystem failures. However at present this approach is not welcomed as conventional verification and validation techniques cannot be employed. The author discusses the role of non-algorithmic software