Transistioning Embedded Avionics Software from Ada 83 to Ada 95

The introduction of Ada 95 provides both opportunity and risk for current and future software applications. modifications to correct short-comings with Ada 83 have been combined with enhancements to create a rich and potentially powerful language. But with these changes come risks. Potential issues relating to compatibility with Ada 83, unforeseen performance impacts on existing language features and the cost of using new features need to be understood by any program considering the transition to Ada 95. Avionics applications, which traditionally have among the most stringent computer resource requirements, n to be particularly concerned with understanding these issues. JTIDS is among the most resource taxing of all communications, navigation and identification applications. ViaSat proposes to use its existing Ada 83-based JTIDS application software as a test-case for thoroughly understanding the effects of transitioning to Ada 95. Test cases will be designed and executed Using that software to provide comparisons between Ada 83 and Ada 95 for such things as image size generation, tasking overhead, code generation for various features, etc. A Phase I option focuses on gaining a thorough understanding of new Ada 95 features in preparation for their application in Phase II, during which the JTIDS software will be fully redesigned to gain even more insight into the advantages and risks associated with Ada 95.