MODERN TRENDS IN AVIONICS AND NAVIGATION SYSTEMS FOR NEXT-GENERATION AIRCRAFT AND SPACE MISSIONS: A REVIEW

Abstract

Next generation of aircraft and spacecraft would be dependent on modern avionics and navigation systems for ensuring safety, efficiency and autonomous operations. In this way, this article gives an overview of modern architecture of avionics systems and navigation systems including the new intelligent systems used in modern avionics. Transition into an integrated modular architecture, and more recent to software-defined architecture using traditional federated avionics, has increased the flexibility, scalability and performance of the system significantly. On the other hand, improvements made in positioning accuracy and operational reliability through different navigation technologies like GNSS, INS, etc., has increased the performance of the navigation system. New trends like application of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning and digital twin technologies has enabled avionics systems to become intelligent and able to autonomously perform maintenance and decision-making. Unmanned aerial vehicles, urban air mobility, and deep-space exploration are some of the areas that require modern navigations systems to ensure safety, accuracy and reliability. However, there are still many challenges that come with these new trends, including complexity in system integration, cyber security concerns, regulatory issues, among others. Finally, the review provides suggestions for future research areas, which include quantum navigation, artificial intelligence mission planning, and complete autonomous aerospace systems. In conclusion, the future of aviation and space flight is expected to involve highly resilient, efficient, and autonomous aerospace systems because of the confluence of state-of-the-art avionics and navigation technology.