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Aerospace Electronics and Information Technology
As every branch of the military grapples with the challenges of keeping its vital systems operational, more and more of the U.S. defense budget is being directed to maintaining aging equipment. Southwest Research Institute’s multidisciplinary expertise is helping the Air Force, Army and other government and commercial clients increase the useful service life of aging equipment and build more efficient systems.
 Courtesy of U.S. Air Force |
We have a key role in the analysis and design of the new trainable gun mount system for the AC-130U gunship, which will be retrofitted with a pair of 30-mm guns. |
Since 1989, our staff has assisted the U.S. Air Force with design engineering modifications and upgrades to keep 1970s-vintage A-10 aircraft flying longer. Our efforts have included improving cockpit displays, computers and flight controls to help ensure the A-10 fleet remains a viable, integrated weapon system for another 20 years. As the first of the newly designated A-10C aircraft designed by Lockheed Martin System Integration, teamed with SwRI, rolled out this summer at Hill Air Force Base, we continued development of a modification kit to replace current aircraft identification systems with new transponders required in European airspace.
SwRI operates local engineering support offices for Air Logistics Centers in Oklahoma City; Warner Robins, Ga.; and Layton, Utah. Our Oklahoma staff is developing engine performance analysis methodologies for KC-135, B-52, C-130, C-5 and B-2 aircraft, which provide refueling, communications, cargo and bombing support to U.S. troops and installations. Our Warner Robins office continues to upgrade test equipment, develop information management systems and improve electronic warfare software. Layton staff members support reliability and maintainability upgrades for F-16 avionics and related equipment.
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For the U.S. Air Force, our staff members are developing engine performance analysis methodologies for the TF39 and other aircraft engines. This work contributes to Air Force Engine Health Management Plus programs to reduce engine maintenance, repair and overhaul costs. |
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The AC-130U gunship, a heavily armed adaptation of the Hercules transport aircraft, carries the most complex aircraft weapon system in the world today. SwRI is supporting the prime contractor with key mechanical and electrical analysis and design of its new trainable gun mount system so that the existing 25- and 40-millimeter guns can be retrofitted with a pair of 30-mm guns.
We are developing a truck-mounted flexible hose system to rapidly supply fuel and water to advancing tanks, trucks and troops for the U.S. Army. We have been working on the development of hose and reels, pumping stations, and a command and control system. Several support equipment kits are also being developed for bridges, culverts, flow control, conduit repair and more. The highly efficient system, called Rapidly Installed Fluid Transfer System, or RIFTS, deploys pipeline at a rate of 20 miles a day, almost ten times faster than traditional rigid piping, using only one tenth of the soldiers previously needed. The transport requirements for moving the equipment to the area are also significantly less, reduced by 40 percent.
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SwRI engineers developed the automated flight controls for the Buster unmanned aerial system. After completing its mission, Buster, which is launched by rail and needs neither wheels nor runways, is recovered by parachute. |
Staff members are developing a digital image database system for law enforcement agencies that includes pictures and specifications on automobiles sold over the last 20 years. The database will be searchable by any combination of year, make, model, class, door number and other characteristics.
In the unmanned aerial system arena, we completed a series of upgrades to the Buster reconnaissance and surveillance vehicle to improve ground station-radio linking, video processing, and hardware and software functionality. SwRI also recently developed a militarized telemetry link and designed an automated directional antenna for Mission Technologies Inc., the Buster developer and systems integrator. The system performed outstandingly in U.S. government exercises this past spring and fall.
Visit avionics.swri.org for more information or contact Vice President Richard D. Somers at (210) 522-3188 or rsomers@swri.org.
| Copyright© 2006 by Southwest Research Institute. All rights reserved under U.S. Copyright Law and International Conventions. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, without permission in writing from the publisher. All inquiries should be addressed to the Communications Department, Southwest Research Institute, P.O. Drawer 28510, San Antonio, Texas 78228-0510, phone (210) 522-3305, fax (210) 522-3547. |
