A synoptic comparative analysis of aviation and automotive software development processes along the V-model to deduct transfer proposals for autonomous driving

Abstract The rapid growth of software complexity in autonomous driving systems poses significant challenges for ensuring functional safety in automotive development. Aviation has historically achieved higher safety levels through mature development processes, structured assurance practices, and strong regulatory involvement. This paper presents a comparative analysis of automotive and aviation software development methods along the V-model, with the aim of identifying concrete transfer potentials from aviation to automotive development. The analysis reveals that the most significant benefits arise at the system and process governance levels, particularly through early and continuous authority involvement and structured system assurance practices. Further transferable elements are identified in software requirements engineering, tool qualification, and development planning, while coding standards represent the only lifecycle stage where automotive development is more prescriptive. The results indicate that selectively adopting aviation-derived practices can strengthen confidence in the safety of autonomous driving systems. Overall, the study demonstrates that a targeted transfer of aviation development principles offers a viable path toward higher safety assurance for future automotive technologies.