Wireless Precision Avionics Kit

Abstract

A wireless precision avionics kit is provided for retrofitting aircraft to facilitate communication between the cockpit and modern military stores without hardware or software modifications to the aircraft. The store includes an electrical interface that requires data and possibly power from the aircraft and provides for communication via a message set. The kit may be used with any aircraft that provides a rack or pylon for mounting the store and the capability to release the store. The kit may be used with aircraft having no existing capability to communicate with smart stores, with aircraft having an incompatible interface for modern stores or even with aircraft that have a compatible hardware interface for which the software is outdated.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]This invention relates to the integration of modern military stores with aircraft to facilitate communication between the pilot and the store. In particular the wireless precision avionics kit can retrofit any aircraft to deliver and control any smart store.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]Aircraft carry and release stores (e.g. bombs, missiles etc.) to engage targets. On older aircraft with “dumb” stores the pilot simply pressed the “pickle” button on the hands-on throttle and stick (HOTAS) to send a signal via a hardwired cable to the rack or pylon to release the store. On more recent aircraft and “smart” precision-guided stores (e.g. GPS, laser or RF guided) an additional electrical interface provides for bi-directional communication of data between the aircraft and store via a message set over a separate hardwired cable.[0005]As shown in FIG. 1, an aircraft 50 is outfitted with one or more smart stores 5...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a wireless precision avionics kit for retrofitting aircraft to facilitate communication between the cockpit and modern military stores without hardware or software modifications to the aircraft. The kit includes an aircraft module and a wireless store module that can be mounted on the aircraft and store, respectively. The aircraft module includes a power supply, a display, means for pilot input, and an emulator that emulates the message set to send wireless messages in response to pilot input and to interact with the display. The wireless store module includes a battery, a store controller, and a wireless receiver and antenna. The kit can be used with any aircraft that provides a rack or pylon for mounting the store. The kit allows for autonomous operation of the store and provides the pilot with control power and programming data necessary for the store to complete its mission. The kit can be partially integrated with the aircraft and includes a transceiver for bi-directional communication. The store controller's compatible electrical interface includes a power interface, discrete lines, and a digital data interface for communication of data messages. The store controller further includes a message set controller that routes received control messages to the appropriate interface and data messages to the digital data interface.

Problems solved by technology

The kit may be used with aircraft having no existing capability to communicate with smart stores, with aircraft having an incompatible interface for modern stores or even with aircraft that have a compatible hardware interface for which the software is outdated.

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