Layered software architecture for aircraft systems for sensing and avoiding external objects

A monitoring system for an aircraft, comprising:

• a plurality of sensors for sensing an object external to the aircraft;
• and
• a system comprising a first layer including first instructions, at least one hardware element for use in the implementation of the first instructions, a second layer including second instructions, and at least one hardware element for use in the implementation of the second instructions,
• wherein the first instructions and the second instructions respectively comprise instructions for (a) receiving data indicative of an object sensed by the plurality of sensors, and (b) generating, based on the received data, an output relating to a recommendation for avoiding the sensed object,
• wherein the first instructions, the at least one hardware element for use in the implementation of the first instructions, and the plurality of sensors are in conformance with a first safety standard, and
• wherein the second instructions and the at least one hardware element for use in the implementation of the second instructions are in conformance with a second safety standard that is different from the first safety standard.