miller@loral.UUCP (David P. Miller) (08/08/86)
Reprint from the 8-4-86 issue of Design News:
"Nowadays the B-52G bombers can carry nuclear or conventional weapons. The
problem is that the aircraft's computer program limits its tactical or stra-
tegic mission to the type of weapons on board. The word is,all this will change.
The Air Force's Aeronautical Systems Div.(ASD) has developed a system that gives
the B52G dual-mission capability by letting the pilot send onboard instructions
to his smart weapons. The missile is fired outside the range of any defensive
system and finds its way to the target using an internal navigation system.
Called Integrated Conventional Stores Management, the computer interface system
takes the form of a `stores management overlay'. It suppresses, or rearranges,
weapons operations data stored in the aircraft's computer using a simple plug-in
preprogrammed software cassette.
The system implements the MIL-STD-1760 software and electrical interface for
weapons. With it the B-52G can carry the new Harpoon missiles and any future
weapons designed to the military specification.
As an added advantage,the system permits usage of many types of weapons without
the need for more black boxes in the aircraft. The overlay recaptures computer
territory already in use so that different conventional systems will operate
with the same black boxes.
Boeing Military Airplane Company, out of Wichita, KS, holds a $25 million
contract for the system's full scale development. It recently underwent a
successful flight test at McConnell AFB, KS. Operational capability is expected
in 1988".
Wait a minute, 1988 (and beyond) ??. All along I was under the
distinct impression that we where going to scrap these B-52s in
favor of the new B-1Bs. What happened ?. It couldn't possibly be
Grann-Rudman-Hollings !!.
BIG DAVE.
--
David P. Miller - Loral Instrumentation. / USUAL \
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