Emerging Technologies for the Diagnosis and Testing of Avionics Components in Defense Aviation Maintenance: A Systematic Review (2020–2025)

Abstract

Abstract Emerging technologies offer promising tools for aircraft maintenance, but their application to the unscheduled diagnosis and testing of avionics components is poorly documented, particularly in military contexts. This systematic literature review, following PRISMA guidelines, covers technologies applied to avionics maintenance between 2020 and 2025. Searches of Scopus and Google Scholar returned 2,949 records; 47 studies were included after screening and assessed through the Technology–Organization–Environment (TOE) framework. The Colombian Army's flight control computer (FCC) maintenance challenges serve as a motivating case. Four thematic categories were identified: diagnostics and testing of aeronautical components; diagnostics and testing of avionics components; FCC diagnostics and testing; and efficiency in aeronautical maintenance. Simulation-based testing, particularly hardware-in-the-loop approaches, reduces diagnostic times and costs; artificial intelligence and machine learning improve diagnostic accuracy but depend on data infrastructure that defense organizations frequently lack. Technological complexity and organizational readiness are the principal barriers to adoption. The review found limited application of these technologies to FCC post-repair validation, identifying this as a gap and a research priority.