ARINC 827-1-2020 PDF

Full title and description

ARINC Report 827-1:2020 — Electronic Distribution of Software by Crate (EDS Crate). Specifies a standardized digital container format, manifest and security requirements to enable consistent, verifiable distribution of aircraft/avionics software and related content between suppliers, OEMs and operators.

Abstract

This report defines the EDS Crate: a packaged, signed collection of software parts, metadata and delivery information intended for exchange between aerospace business partners. It specifies crate structure, an XML manifest schema, requirements for integrity and authenticity (hashing and digital signatures), basic handling and versioning rules, and guidance for secure distribution and processing of aircraft software packages.

General information

• Status: Published / Active.
• Publication date: August 2020 (ARINC Report 827-1:2020).
• Publisher: ARINC / AEEC (developed under SAE/ARINC industry activities).
• ICS / categories: 35.080 (Software); 49.020 (Aircraft and space vehicles in general).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2020).
• Number of pages: 54 pages (typical published PDF length).

Scope

Defines the format, mandatory and optional elements, and handling rules for an Electronic Distribution of Software (EDS) crate used to exchange aircraft and avionics software, configuration data and related artifacts. Covers crate packaging structure, manifest content and schema, integrity and signature mechanisms, required metadata for traceability and version control, and recommendations for transport and recipient processing. Does not prescribe specific transport protocols or installation procedures for every platform but emphasizes interoperability and secure end-to-end distribution practices.

Key topics and requirements

• EDS Crate container structure and required directory layout.
• XML manifest schema describing crate contents, package identifiers and metadata.
• Integrity mechanisms: hashing algorithms and manifest-to-content mapping.
• Authenticity mechanisms: digital signatures, certificate handling and signing processes.
• Versioning and unique identification of software parts and crates.
• Rules for included metadata (provenance, build IDs, target platform, compatibility notes).
• Requirements and guidance for secure handling, storage and processing of crates (anti-tamper, replay protection, relative paths only).
• Compatibility and migration considerations relative to prior ARINC 827 (2010) releases.

Typical use and users

Used by aircraft OEMs, avionics suppliers, system integrators, airlines, MRO organizations and software configuration management teams to package and exchange certified software, patches, configuration data and payloads. Also used by cybersecurity and compliance teams to ensure authenticity and traceability of delivered software assets across supply chains.

Related standards

Related avionics and software standards and guidance commonly used alongside ARINC 827-1 include earlier ARINC 827 (2010) material, ARINC networking and interface specifications (for operational context), ARINC standards addressing data loading and avionics interfaces, and industry safety/cybersecurity guidance such as DO-178C for airborne software lifecycle and applicable cybersecurity/airworthiness guidance for secure software distribution.

Keywords

EDS crate, ARINC 827-1, electronic distribution, software packaging, manifest, digital signature, software integrity, aircraft software update, avionics software, software provenance, versioning, supply chain.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ARINC Report 827-1:2020 specifies the EDS Crate format and related requirements for securely and consistently distributing aircraft and avionics software and related contents between industry partners.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers crate structure, the XML manifest schema, integrity and signature requirements, required metadata for traceability and versioning, and handling guidance to support interoperable, secure exchange of software packages.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: OEMs, avionics and software suppliers, system integrators, airlines and MRO organizations, configuration management and cybersecurity teams involved in delivery and installation of aircraft software.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: This document was published in August 2020 (ARINC Report 827-1:2020). It supersedes ARINC Report 827:2010. Users should check with ARINC/AEEC for any later revisions or amendments beyond 2020.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of the ARINC 800-series family of avionics reports and follows earlier ARINC 827 material. It is intended to work alongside other ARINC and industry standards governing avionics interfaces, data loading and software lifecycle.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: EDS crate, manifest, digital signature, software distribution, avionics, ARINC 827, integrity, provenance, versioning, secure update.