Matthew Squair | University of NSW at Canberra (original) (raw)

Papers by Matthew Squair

The F/A-18 Night Vision Capability project consisted of the modification of F/A-18 displays and c... more The F/A-18 Night Vision Capability project consisted of the modification of F/A-18 displays and cockpit lighting to be compatible with acquired AN/AVS-9G Night Vision Goggles (NVG). Aircraft lighting compatibility has been identified as a significant factor in a number of military aircraft accidents involving the use of NVG. As a result, careful consideration of the interaction of lighting system design, visual perception and human error is essential to assure safe and effective NVG operations. This paper describes the cockpit lighting modification and the design process used to develop an optimally integrated system.

Integrating modern aircraft stores, particularly weapons, creates a complex system of systems cha... more Integrating modern aircraft stores, particularly weapons, creates a complex system of systems challenge. The traditional approach to such integrations was for each to be a stand-alone program. For each program a unique interface would usually be implemented, usually also with a set of unique problems, such as the missile ‘ghosting ’ problems experienced during the F-16 to AMRAAM integration (Ward 1993). In response to the problems of such an approach MIL-STD-1760 an Interface Standard for Aircraft to Store Electrical Interconnection System was released by the US DoD to standardise aircraft/store interfaces. This paper discusses the advantages and limitations of the architectural techniques of MIL-STD-1760. A hierarchical method for integrating the use of the standard into a safety case is also described.

Integrating modern aircraft stores, particularly weapons, creates a complex system of systems cha... more Integrating modern aircraft stores, particularly weapons, creates a complex system of systems challenge. The traditional approach to such integrations was for each to be a stand-alone program. For each program a unique interface would usually be implemented, usually also with a set of unique problems, such as the missile 'ghosting' problems experienced during the F-16 to AMRAAM integration (Ward 1993). In response to the problems of such an approach MIL-STD-1760 an Interface Standard for Aircraft to Store Electrical Interconnection System was released by the US DoD to standardise aircraft/store interfaces. This paper discusses the advantages and limitations of the architectural techniques of MIL-STD-1760. A hierarchical method for integrating the use of the standard into a safety case is also described.

The application of software safety standards as part of the development of safety critical softwa... more The application of software safety standards as part of the development of safety critical software is usually considered an essential element of any safety program. Yet it is fairly rare for safety practitioners to step back and critically evaluate both the effectiveness and limitations of such standards.Naive implementations of safety standards can lead to over reliance on weak inductive arguments as to the safety of the software. Whilst incorrect requirements have been identified as a major cause of software accidents it appears that current software safety standards do not place a proportionate emphasis upon this causal factor. Additionally focusing upon the definition of process as opposed to the documentation of lessons learned the majority of software safety standards also appear inadequate to serve as repositories of the 'state of the art'.This paper examines the limitations, practical problems and issues associated with the use of current software safety standards. ...

Technical specifications play an important part in the agreement between an acquirer and a suppli... more Technical specifications play an important part in the agreement between an acquirer and a supplier. Well-written specifications contribute to a successful outcome; financially, commercially and technically; for both parties. A project suite of specifications form the vital link between customer need and a supplier's 'capability'. This paper examines the subject of technical specifications from the perspective of a major rolling stock supplier and maintainer in the Australian rail industry. The intent is to provoke discussion within the rail industry on a subject that plays a critical role in achieving outcomes, but typically draws little focused debate or discussion.

The effective use by humans of any transport system is a critical success factor in the developme... more The effective use by humans of any transport system is a critical success factor in the development of such systems. Careful consideration of the interaction of ergonomic and functional design with the physical and cognitive capabilities and limitations of crew, passengers and maintainers is essential to assure safe, effective and profitable rail operations.

Proceedings of the 10th Australian Workshop on Safety Critical Systems and Software Volume 55, Apr 1, 2006

Proceedings of the Twelfth Australian Workshop on Safety Critical Systems and Software and Safety Related Programmable Systems Volume 86, Dec 1, 2007

Proceedings of the Eleventh Australian Workshop on Safety Critical Systems and Software Volume 69, May 1, 2007

INCOSE International Symposium, 1999

44th AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting and Exhibit, 2006

INCOSE International Symposium, Brighton England, 1999

Conference on Rail Engineering, Brisbane 2012, Sep 12, 2012

Proceedings of the Conference of Rail Engineering, Wellington 2010, Sep 12, 2010

Integrating modern aircraft stores, particularly weapons, creates a complex system of systems cha... more Integrating modern aircraft stores, particularly weapons, creates a complex system of systems challenge. The traditional approach to such integrations was for each to be a stand-alone program. For each program a unique interface would usually be implemented, usually also with a set of unique problems, such as the missile 'ghosting' problems experienced during the F-16 to AMRAAM integration (Ward 1993). In response to the problems of such an approach MIL-STD-1760 an Interface Standard for Aircraft to Store Electrical Interconnection System was released by the US DoD to standardise aircraft/store interfaces. This paper discusses the advantages and limitations of the architectural techniques of MIL-STD-1760. A hierarchical method for integrating the use of the standard into a safety case is also described.