Next generation naval helicopter avionics

This paper describes the next generation avionics system to be integrated into the United States Navy (USN) Multi-Mission Helicopter (MMII)-which replaces both the SH-60B and the SH-60F in 2001. The MMII avionics system is a very high performance adaptable system which is intended to support the USN´s needs for helicopter avionics through at least 2015. The system consists of a loosely coupled network of advanced mission and sensor processing elements which combines both distributed and federated architectural concepts. MMII also includes state-of-the-art sensors and an advanced Operator-System Interface. This paper presents the MMII avionics system architecture, key attributes of the system, and the extendibility of the basic architecture for future growth