Database management for integrated avionics system

Utilizing AI (artificial intelligence) knowledge bases and digital-map-based spatiotemporal databases as primary examples, the authors describe the requirements for an avionics DBMS (database management system) and offer potential design solutions that could be implemented in an integrated avionics architecture. It is noted that one is witnessing an explosion of databases, including AI knowledge bases and sensor/map spatiotemporal databases, that will require a real-time, distributed DBMS that is interfaced with the entire avionics platform. The FIRM (Functional Integrated Resource Manager) project is developing a broad-based, object-oriented DBMS solution that will be applicable to future systems and upgrades to current systems. Given projected advances in onboard sensors and parallel processors, the FIRM DBMS will enable real-time AI and CA (cellular automata)-based data correlation that will greatly improve the ability to conduct challenging missions, such as precision strike and air superiority and defense. In addition, a standard DBMS will increase software maintainability and reusability, resulting in weapon system life-cycle cost savings