Smart-Store Emulation Unit for Legacy Aircraft Interface Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Legacy aircraft lack the necessary hardware and software to communicate with modern smart-stores using the MIL-STD-1760 interface, making integration of new 1760 stores complex and costly, and existing training methods for these stores are inadequate, especially for legacy 'Maverick' aircraft.
Innovation Solution
A smart-store emulation unit that mimics the functional behavior of modern smart-stores using a digital processor and I/O hardware, capable of executing store-specific Interface Control Document (ICD) and Launch Acceptability Region (LAR) modules, allowing training and control without the physical presence of the store, and supporting both MIL-STD-1760 and Maverick interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If modern smart-stores with MIL-STD-1760 interface are integrated with legacy aircraft, then the aircraft can use modern smart-store technologies, but significant hardware and software modifications are required making integration complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an interface adapter as an intermediary device that connects the legacy aircraft's existing analog interface to modern MIL-STD-1760 smart-stores. The adapter performs signal conversion and protocol translation, allowing the aircraft to control modern stores without modifying the aircraft's core hardware or software architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a software model that replicates the functional behavior of the smart-store, including its interface control document (ICD) compliance and launch acceptability region (LAR) calculations. This software copy allows the aircraft to interact with the store through emulated signals and data exchanges, avoiding direct integration complexity.
2Reliability
If physical smart-stores are used for operator training, then realistic training scenarios can be provided, but the stores are expensive, heavy, and subject to lifetime usage limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a software-based emulation of the smart-store that replicates its operational characteristics, interface behavior, and decision-making algorithms. This virtual copy can be used indefinitely for training purposes without consuming physical resources or incurring usage limits, while maintaining training realism through accurate behavioral simulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent develops a multi-functional system that can operate in different modes: controlling actual smart-stores when needed, emulating stores for training, and adapting to various store types through software configuration. This universal approach eliminates the need for separate training equipment and allows flexible use of limited physical stores.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If legacy aircraft maintain extended service life, then economic constraints are addressed, but they lack the interface capability to communicate with modern 1760 stores
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a software-based interface adapter that mediates between the legacy aircraft's existing communication systems and modern MIL-STD-1760 stores. This intermediary layer performs protocol translation and signal conversion without requiring physical modifications to the aircraft's hardwired interfaces, preserving the aircraft's extended service life while enabling modern store integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the existing analog interface parameters and signal characteristics of legacy aircraft, transforming them through software processing to match modern digital store requirements. By changing the parameter representation rather than the physical interface, the system maintains compatibility with aged hardware while achieving modern communication standards.
Data Source
AI summary
A smart-store emulation unit is provided for use on-board a weapon platform in place of the physical presence of a smart-store. The emulation unit may be used for operator training on or testing of the smart-store on-board an operational weapon platform such as an aircraft, tank or ship.