Lifecycle Operational Flight Program (OFP) loading support for the C-17 Globemaster III weapon system

The advanced avionics computer systems of the C-17 Globemaster III contain operational flight program software which require life cycle loading support systems to accommodate user mission changes and aircraft upgrades. Multiple dedicated software loading platforms are required to load software into the disparate systems. The costs of these dedicated platforms are prohibitive, not only in terms of the hardware, but also in the maintenance of skills required for operating the varied software loaders. The Air Force desired a common platform capable of loading the different Line Replaceable Units (LRU), leveraging the common User Interface to lower user training and life cycle maintenance against the development cost of the loader. The Operational Flight Program Loading System (OFPLS) offers a solution for this situation. The system allows a qualified technician to use a single system to load software into many different LRUs.