T-38 Avionics Upgrade Program (AUP)

Abstract

The T-38C Avionics Upgrade Program (AUP) installed a "Glass Cockpit" into the T-38 jet trainer and re-designated the upgraded aircraft from the T-38A/B to the T-38C model. The AUP modification, which utilized a Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS)/Non-Developmental Item (NDI) approach to acquire kits, is currently in sustainment phase under the T-38C Avionics Post Production support contract. The avionics system requires regular block upgrades to keep the system current and airworthy. Block upgrades incorporate software and/or hardware improvements to comply with new requirements mandated by Department of Defense, Federal Aviation Administration or National Airspace System (DoD/FAA/NAS) and to address flight safety issues. The block upgrades support the T-38C aircraft and Aircrew Training Devices (ATD). This effort also includes development of the aircraft Mission Planning System (MPS) support to obtain Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS) currency and certification for T-38C flight operations. The JMPS requirements are levied from outside the T-38 program office and may or may not correlate with block upgrade requirements. Additionally, engineering services, studies, analysis and support are required to determine the feasibility of integrating changes into the system and making informed business decisions related to Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS) and other lifecycle related concerns. This project is in Budget Activity 5, System Development and Demonstration (SDD), because it primarily involves the adaptation of NDI or COTS equipment and components for military purpose.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2014
• Source ID: 654376_0604233F_5_3600_PB_2014

Tags

Readers

• Aerospace Engineering
• Aviation Science / Aeronautics.
• Enterprise Information Systems Architecture and Joint Command Capability Interoperability Support.

Technology Areas

• Space