A reconfigurable integrated navigation and flight management system for military transport aircraft

The authors describe the flight management and navigation system currently being developed for the German Air Force C-160 Transall airlifter and consider the implementation and operational characteristics of the newest generation of Collins military avionics systems. The system features a modular expandable architecture in both hardware and software. This system design approach is made feasible by a reconfigurable, multiprocessing software operating system. It allocates processing tasks according to the current system state to preserve the highest possible level of functionality in the event of failures. The primary system interface medium is the MIL-STD-1553B serial digital bus, and all software is in Ada. The modular multiprocessing system features identical processors performing independent tasks. These tasks can be reallocated in real time in response to failures, providing a depth of mission-critical survivability previously achievable only through massive redundancy. The operational benefits of the flight management system provide for the optional elimination of one crew member (navigator) and significantly improved workload and task times for the pilots and loadmaster.<>