Issues with object orientation in verifying safety-critical systems

Abstract

Primus Epicrm is an all-new integrated avionics system for business, regional and general aviation. Honeywell International Inc. follows the Object Oriented paradigm and the programming language C+ +for certain software components on systems developed for the PRIMUS EPIC system. While C++ programming language offers several advantages, it also has several features that can make it undesirable for use in airborne systems. The, Object Orientation concept has several features that, if not controlled properly, can lead to unknown configurations of object code and unverified code. This is highly undesirable for avionics software that needs certification involving statement and code coverage. This paper highlights the issues with C++ certification for avionics and provides solutions for some of the issues.