Software in Avionics and Defense Industry

There are no compromises on software quality in aviation. Whether autopilot, warning systems, or other safety-critical applications – the software used must meet strict requirements.

These requirements are not internal guidelines but globally established standards. One of the key standards is DO-178C. It details how software for airborne systems must be developed, tested, and validated – long before an aircraft is allowed to take off. Published by RTCA (USA) and EUROCAE (Europe), DO-178C – also known as ED-12C – is the recognized framework for certifying avionics software.

Certification authorities such as EASA and FAA require proof that software meets aviation-specific safety requirements, and compliance with DO-178C is accepted as binding. Unlike rigid regulations, the standard focuses on clearly defined objectives instead of prescribed methods. This ensures necessary flexibility with maximum safety.

DO-178C also plays an increasingly central role in the defense industry – especially for safety-critical operational software, autonomous systems, and tactical avionics. Military aircraft systems, drones, and weapons platforms often face even stricter environmental and safety requirements than civilian applications. Here, not only functional safety but also robustness under extreme conditions, redundancy, and fault tolerance play a crucial role. Numerous national and international projects therefore demand the application of DO-178C or comparable standards as a prerequisite for approval and deployment.

Our Tools – Your Solutions for DO-178C & More

To meet the demanding requirements in avionics and defense projects, we offer specialized tools that specifically support you in verification, traceability, and certification – in both civil and military aviation. With CodeSonar, Testwell CTC++, and CodeSentry, you cover all safety-relevant areas of DO-178C compliance – from analysis through code coverage to component security.

Testwell CTC++ – Code Coverage

• Measures all coverage levels according to DO-178C: Statement, Branch, MC/DC
• Seamlessly integrates into existing toolchains (CI/CD, IDEs, etc.)
• Usable on embedded targets with minimal resource requirements
• Compiler- and platform-independent
• Certified by TÜV Süd
• Support if necessary for tool qualification according to DO-178C

More information about Testwell CTC++.

CodeSonar – Static Code Analysis

• Automatically detects critical errors such as null pointer dereferences, memory leaks, data flow and control flow issues
• Supports reviews and analyses according to DO-178C (chapters 6.3–6.5)
• Checks compliance with safety-critical coding standards (MISRA, CERT, JSF AV C++)
• Optionally qualifiable according to DO-330 for use in certification-relevant projects
• Seamlessly integrates into existing toolchains (CI/CD, IDEs, various compilers)

More information about CodeSonar.

CodeSentry – Binary Software Composition Analysis

• Automatically creates a software bill of materials (SBOM)
• Identifies open-source components, their licenses, and known security vulnerabilities (CVEs)
• Works directly on binary level – ideal for purchased or proprietary software components
• Supports security and export requirements from FAA, EASA, DoD, NATO & BAAINBw
• Helps detect risks early and comply with regulatory requirements

More information about CodeSentry.

Trusted by the Industry

Used worldwide by leading aerospace and defense companies

Hundreds of companies worldwide rely on Verifysoft solutions to improve the quality and safety of their software — especially in highly regulated industries such as aerospace and defense.