Loading software onto aircraft is a complex process that must account for numerous design and operational considerations. These include strict airline procedures, certification requirements, cybersecurity concerns, and compatibility with existing infrastructure. Unlike everyday software deployment, aviation systems demand high reliability, adherence to regulatory standards, and careful planning to ensure safety and compliance.
The project aims to create a simplified mockup of an aircraft dataload system with added support for wireless dataloading. This approach provides a safe environment for exploring the technical and procedural challenges involved in real-world aircraft systems. Wireless dataload introduces new dimensions of flexibility, but it also raises additional security and feasibility concerns that must be addressed in the design.
Through this project, students gain practical exposure to key concepts such as Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), threat modeling, and aircraft network design. They also work with aviation-specific standards and protocols while learning to design within constraints such as intermittent connectivity, certification hurdles, and the need to align with established airline procedures. The project balances technical innovation with real-world limitations, offering valuable insight into the intersection of cybersecurity and aviation systems engineering.