An engineering approach to critical software certification

A significant number of computer based systems currently exist that perform human related critical functions (e.g., medical diagnosis/treatment support, weapon systems, banking financial systems, transportation systems). The Software Engineering Directorate (SED) of the United States Army Aviation and Missile Command (AMCOM) develops and maintains numerous critical systems that fall into this category. Prior to operational deployment of AMCOM aviation and missile systems, the SED has responsibility for the certification of these critical systems. The paper describes a four pronged engineering based analysis for determining a Flight Readiness Risk Index and a Certification for Flight readiness recommendation.