Aircraft Mission Planning Equipment (MPE) Obsolescence

ABSTRACT: A Universal Data Transfer Device (UDTD) is proposed which will standardize Data Transfer Devices used in various forms of aircraft. This proposal is for a Phase I effort that will investigate options for a new technology developing proposing new standard for digital, removable, ruggedized, plug compatible, upgradeable system with higher capacities than current systems and has the ability to address additional"digital only"features. Specific features to be added will be addressed in the investigation, but might include on-cartridge encryption and fast zeroize feature. VPI"s subcontractor, The Utah State University Research Foundation Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) has been contracted on several Data Transfer Device reader systems over the years, including current work on the ODD-EC system, which is a universal reader for LRU, MTDC, VDC, B52 and ADTC cartridges. These cartridges are used in USAF F16, F22, B52 and other aircraft. SDL has also contracted to develop readers for Navy SHARP and Marine ATARS sensors. Goals for this investigation will be to: Reduce obsolescence Minimize cost All designs government owned Maximize number of aircraft compatible with the UDTD The UDTU will auto-configure Allow similar workflow to current cartridges BENEFIT: A significant factor in VPI"s success is the integration of a variety of engineering emphasis into a self-sufficient team. These include: electrical engineers, computer engineers, mechanical engineers, production specialists, robotics engineers, RF engineers, and IT specialists. This broad specialty range allows us to undertake diverse and complicated projects successfully. The proposed technology fits with company objectives to sell technology that can be integrated with hardware in a variety of military applications. Our company"s mission is to deliver outstanding engineering services and to increase the offering of high quality products that fit within our design and development expertise, which includes robotic, sensor, imaging, and embedded system products. Benefits of the proposed solution include: UDTD Physically adapted to different airframes by redesigning the outer shell Electrically adapted to different airframes by changing code in the Interface Adapter FPGA UDTD is erasable while not inserted in an aircraft or attached to a ground station. Memory for the UDTD is solid state Flash, either in the form of a SSD or SD Flash card. Both SSD and SD Flash are removable from the UDTD, allowing reading in a standard PC UDTD can also be read using a USB cable attached to a PC.