A new approach to Navy ship munitions BIT and reprogramming

This paper offers insight into the challenges of the modern day Navy munitions BIT and reprogramming process. With the land based Navy depot quickly becoming a scarce commodity in this day and age of downsizing and streamlining, the Navy carrier fleet and its personnel are assuming more of the land based depot duties and responsibilities. The Common Munitions BIT Reprogramming Equipment (CMBRE) is an interservice tester which embodies all the elements of the “new” procurement process. The CMBRE is used to initiate BIT and provide BIT status for a variety of MIL-STD-1760 munitions in the Navy fleet. The CMBRE can also up load, down load, and verify applicable software including Operational Flight programs (OFPs) and mission planning data. The Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM) will be the first weapon employed in consonance with the CMBRE to be permanently deployed on aircraft carriers. These two programs will be the first to employ ship ordnance personnel to BIT and reprogram “live” munitions on board ship. This paper offers a management and technical perspective into how this new approach is being accomplished as both programs boldly lead the way into the 21st century