Abstract: As an important means to decrease system life cycle cost（LCC）, control software complexity, and improve the extent of software reuse, software architecture has been a mainstream research direction in the aeronautical computer field. This article expatiates the concept of integrated modular avionics (IMA). Three major factors are analyzed which promote the development of IMA architecture. IMA software architectures presented by ARINC specifications 653, ASAAC, GOA, and F-22 common integrated processor (CIP) are summarized. Discussion about some problems to be solved and the development trend is made for IMA software architecture. Finally, some views are presented about IMA software architecture research in China.

Key words: integrated modular avionics (IMA), software architecture, open systems, software engineering, military engineering