Role of real-time computing in the design and simulation of dependable systems

In this paper the role of real-time computing in the design of dependable systems for civil aircraft and in the emergence of the flight simulator as the primary design tool, in the context of the new millennium, is considered. Real time flight simulation is expected to play a critical role in the verification and validation of various flight control and guidance modes associated with autonomous flight and meet the corresponding dependability requirements. Finally the impact of these developments on the emergence of the flight simulator as a primary integrated simulator-cum-design tool is summarised. Paper presented at the RAeS Conference on the "Impact of Computing Advancements on Flight Simulators & Taining Devices", Session 1 on the "Advancements in Simulation Modelling", 7-8 May, 2003, Royal Aeronautical Society, Hamilton Place, LONDON, UK.