Modular Multi-Function Multi-Band Airborne Radio System (MFBARS). Volume I. Executive Summary

摘要

This report describes the results of the first two phases of the MFBARS radio architecture study. This study was aimed at establishing a cost effective and volume-conserving method of integrating tactical CNI avionics equipments. The goal was innovative integration of these systems, by a method which would allow the incorporation of new capabilities and which would take advantage of technological advances, both in-hand and projected within the near-term future (1985). Such integration is needed to reduce spiraling life cycle costs and to alleviate severe hardware space limitation problems in tactical aircraft. During Phase I, a set of viable MFBARS candidate architectures was developed, together with a cost evaluation of these with respect to a government-provided baseline of existing equipment, to allow meaningful comparisons. The three MFBARS architectures proposed during Phase I were keyed to a reasonable expectation of techniques and devices projected to be available when MFBARS advanced development would be initiated in the mide '80's. The three architectures provided a graduated increase in payoff potential with associated increases in technical risk. The Government then selected the most advanced of the three Phase I candidate system architectures for more detailed study. (Author)