Low cost integrated modular avionics (IMA)

The US Government has recognized that a low cost integrated modular avionics approach is necessary for future avionics systems and upgrades to meet performance requirements within increasingly tighter cost constraints. The Hughes, Hazeltine, and Rockwell Integrated Product Team (IPT) members have developed modular systems that can be used in multiple applications. The key functions with which the IPT has had significant experience are Link 16, IFF with Mode S, EWWS, TACAN, and GPS. These recently developed systems are in or entering production, and therefore realize the cost and schedule advantages of a non-developmental item (NDI) solution while providing the current state of the art technology. The uniqueness of the IPT´s approach is that it builds upon proven modular hardware and combines these functions into an integrated system that includes a common high speed bus and central processor. The Link 16 and EWWS are already in air cooled SEM-E modules. The APX-113 IFF is in a compact modular design. Some of its modules need to be repackaged on a SEM-E layout, a very low risk effort. In addition, Hughes has considerable experience in Central Integrated Processors and systems integration, and Rockwell utilizes a high speed bus in its latest modular system. Featuring an open architecture, reserve processing capability and memory, the wideband programmable, multi-function modules are readily adaptable