Original Date: 05/08/1995
Revision Date: 01/18/2007

McDonnell Douglas Aerospace (MDA)-St. Louis developed an Avionics Engineering Process Handbook which details a plan for developing avionic systems. Released in January 1993, it includes the process that specifies what needs to be done, in what order, and by what work groups. It is also a reference document that details products, internal and external review requirements, and the necessary coordination among work groups. The handbook consists of an overview and three appendices on Concept Exploration and Development, Demonstration and Validation, and Engineering and Manufacturing Development.

The handbook has been developed top-down based on the Department of Defense (DOD) acquisition life cycle including the DOD 5000 series acquisition document requirements. The overview describes the handbook, DOD process, baselines, and general documentation. For each DOD phase, the program model and the avionics engineering process are described. The overview is used for understanding the process and for top-level planning. Figure 3-1 shows the relationship during the acquisition process phases.

The appendices are used to detail the avionics engineering process for each DOD phase and for guidance during detailed planning and program execution. Each appendix contains the program model, process diagram, product flows, product tables, and activity descriptions. The program model identifies milestones and milestone objectives for each DOD phase, and it forms the basis for the detailed process. The process diagram follows the program model, identifies activities for the avionics system and subsystem work groups, and shows the relationships between the work groups. There are two types of product flows, product flow diagrams and product flow relationships. The product flows identify products for each work group and their relationships to the program model and to each other. The product tables define the content and level of detail for each product at each milestone. The activity descriptions provide detailed descriptions of each effort for each activity. The activity descriptions use Entry criteria, Task description, Validation requirements, and Exit criteria.

The process can be tailored for any program definition. The entire process is documented in such a way that it is directly relatable to fulfilling System Engineering Program Planning. It covers all DOD phases leading to production as well as major upgrades. The handbook has been used for AX avionics program planning, proprietary programs, other departments, and for development of the Integrated Product Development Life Cycle Deliverables Handbook.

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