🤖 AI Summary
To reconcile the stringent DO-178C Level A safety certification requirements with the escalating complexity of avionics software, this paper proposes an airworthiness-compliant, customized Scrum framework. The method introduces a multidisciplinary Product Owner role, dual acceptance criteria—functional and certification-oriented—separate independent test/documentation teams, and a dedicated Certification Coordinator. It integrates continuous integration/delivery, automated documentation generation, and rigorous configuration management. These innovations enable deep coupling between agile iteration and regulatory compliance. Empirical evaluation demonstrates significant improvements over the traditional waterfall model: a 76% reduction in average requirement effort per engineer, 75% faster defect detection, 78% higher defect resolution efficiency, and over 50% lower defect density—all while fully satisfying DO-178C Level A certification objectives.
📝 Abstract
The increasing complexity of aerospace systems requires development processes that balance agility with stringent safety and certification demands. This study presents an empirically validated Scrum-based Agile framework tailored for DO-178C compliant, safety-critical aerospace software. The framework adapts core Scrum roles, artifacts, and events to meet certification, verification, and independence objectives. Key enhancements include a multi-disciplinary product ownership model, dual compliance-and-functionality acceptance criteria, independent testing and documentation teams, and dedicated certification liaisons. The approach was evaluated through two comparable aerospace projects-one using the customized Agile process and the other a traditional Waterfall model. Results showed significant improvements: a 76% reduction in Total Effort per Requirement, 75% faster Defect Detection, 78% faster Defect Resolution, and over 50% lower Defect Density, while maintaining full compliance with DO-178C Design Assurance Level A. These findings demonstrate that Agile practices and regulatory compliance can coexist effectively when supported by disciplined tailoring and proactive engagement with certification authorities. The study also notes challenges, including increased V&V effort due to recurring Sprint activities and refactoring inherent to iterative development. Nonetheless, it identifies substantial opportunities for further gains through workflow automation, CI/CD practices, and automated documentation, verification, and configuration management. Future research should expand validation of this framework across the aerospace domain and other safety-critical industries with similar certification requirements.