DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF AN AIRBORNE SOLID STATE RECORDER

The airborne reconnaissance community currently utilizes tape based storage technology. While this technology is proven, it still suffers from low mean time between failure (MTBF) and substandard data throughput rates. Additionally, with the introduction of state-of-the-art sensor platforms, it has become increasingly clear, that a more reliable, higher data rate (Greater than 240Mbits/second), non-volatile, data acquisition system is needed to support mission critical data collection and dissemination.Solid State Recorders (SSR) were originally developed for spacecraft applications as replacements for low reliability tape recorder systems. Recent advancements in solid capabilities to the point where they can be considered for use in aircraft and terrestrial high performance optical sensor data storage applications.SEAKR will develop a design specification and a design description in Phase I, and will then in Phase II, implement the design, performing the necessary engineering development and build and demonstrate a high data rate, solid state data acquisition and storage system based on the product specification developed in Phase I. At the end of Phase II, the government will have a fully developed unit ready for Phase III production.