Core Avionics Master Plan - NAVAIR - U.S. Navy

Core Avionics Master Plan 2011 Appendix A-1Capability Element Evolution:A. Information Processing. Modern aircraft are critically dependent uponinformation processing, not only for management of tactical information but for basicsafety of flight operations. The Information Processing capability element addressesmission planning systems, aircraft mission and weapons systems computers, operatingsystems, data storage and upload/download devices, and displays.1. Current Capabilities.The AN/AYK-14 Naval Standard Airborne Computer has supported missioncomputing, navigation and targeting applications for decades, and is projected tocontinue support through 2030. The AYK-14 is deployed in F/A-18 A-D, SH-60B andEA-6B, and is the core processor used for Automated Carrier Landing Systems (ACLS).The Advanced Mission Computer (AMC) was developed to be a common replacementfor the AYK-14. The PMA209 Advanced Mission Computer and Displays (AMC&D)team manages AMC variants on F/A-18A-F, EA-18G, AV-8B and T-45. The AMCemploys a Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) based open architecture that runs newer,more versatile High Order Language (HOL) software code to reduce integration cost,schedule and performance risks. Both the AYK-14 and AMC have demonstratedemulation capability (ability to host legacy source code managed by HOL). The extent ofcommon mission computer integration across platforms is currently limited because theOFP operating system codes are unique and often proprietary. Each separate platformprocessor configuration will need to be independently modified (and resourced)throughout its life cycle to keep pace with the demands of future capability integrationrequirements. Rewriting each core code or interface takes time, must be fit into aplatform-unique OFP upgrade schedule, is expensive, and usually requires extensiveregression and flight testing.One of the more pervasively fielded processor and systems configurations acrossthe Services is the Common Avionics Architecture System (CAAS), which is found inthe majority of U.S. Army rotary wing platforms. Commonality of hardware reduces unitcosts and enables upgrades to benefit more users. The CAAS model also enables openorder Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) procurement over a large and simplifiedcontract. PMA209‟s Mission Systems Management Activity (MSMA) participates in theU.S. Army CAAS Working Group to ensure benefits can be applied to Naval Aviation.Increasing processing requirements associated with block upgrades saturated theMV-22B Mission Computer Suite well before completion of platform production. Anupgrade is being integrated to support integration of desired mission capabilities.Similarly, the AH-1Z and UH-1Y upgrade aircraft are integrating modern modular openHOL systems processors to overcome limitations with the legacy systems. Someplatforms do not have a dedicated mission processor, and manage required processingon ancillary systems such as the open system Control Display Navigation Unit (CDNU).AV-8B recently upgraded their Mission Systems and Weapons Systems computersoftware with improved Built In Test (BIT) functionality to address readiness and costimpacts associated with A799 (no fault found) component repair challenges. Moderndigital diagnostics have advanced to a degree where improved BIT eliminatesunnecessary component removals, provides better operational level repair, and evencompensates for inadequate training or correct improper maintenance actions.A-1 Information Management 4