Aircraft Modernization Program (AMP)

Abstract

In mid-FY07, concept refinement studies addressed potential technical approaches, spiral developments, cockpit commonality and yielded valuable affordability information. Shortly thereafter, HQ AMC decided to reduce program scope based on affordability. As a result, the current effort will consist of three AMP requirements: Communications Navigation Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM), Boom Control Unit (BCU) and Mode 5. As of Mar 08, OC-ALC assumed management responsibility for the program. The KC-10 Communications, Navigation, and Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) program will provide worldwide airspace accessibility by FY2015 for the fleet of 59 aircraft. An upgrade of the current Flight Management System (FMS) and Inertial Navigation System (INS) will be required to meet the 2015 CNS/ATM requirements. Avionics components shall use either commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) or military off-the-shelf (MOTS) software and hardware. CNS/ATM requirements include: RNP-4 Oceanic/Remote for En-route Oceanic Airspace with either 50/50 NM or 30/30 NM separations; Basic Area Nav (BRNAV) for En route European Airspace (9,500ft & up); RNAV 2 & 1 for En route & Terminal airspace operations; Precision-RNAV (P-RNAV) for Preferred terminal area routes in Europe (1 NM Accuracy); RNP-4 & RNP-1 for Reduced separations en route, and terminal airspace; Time of Arrival Control for Refuel rendezvous (within 30 sec); ADS-B Out for Enhanced air and ground surveillance; Global Positioning System (GPS) for Enhanced Navigation Capability; SAASM for GPS Security; Satellite Data Link for ATS and C2 Communications for flight in Oceanic Airspace (FL310-410); Satellite Voice for BLOS Pilot - Controller Communications C2 Operations; and VDL Mode-2 for LOS Pilot - Controller Communications and C2 Operations. FAA airworthiness certification of the modification is required. The KC-10 Boom Control Unit (BCU), responsible for the operation of the KC-10's primary air refueling mission, is unsupportable due to parts obsolescence. Once the BCU spares pool is exhausted, the KC-10 fleet will not be capable of performing its air refueling mission until a BCU replacement unit is fielded. This modification effort replaces the current BCU to overcome these parts obsolescence issues, to improve diagnostics, and add the capability to provide boom position information to an external recording device (planned future recording capability). The Advanced BCU (A-BCU) will also add the capability to accept inputs from the existing, or next generation Central Air Data Computer (CADC). The A-BCU will be form, fit, function, and interface identically to the existing unit so as to be fully interchangeable. The Mode 5 modification is a DoD-mandated (IOC by 2014, FOC by 2020) upgrade to the KC-10's Identify Friend or Foe (IFF) system (the primary means of aircraft identification during Air Defense operations). The Mode 5 upgrade will increase anti-spoofing/exploitation capabilities, and lower the possibility of aircraft/aircrew loss due to misidentification of friendly aircraft. The modification will include a new Mode 5 crypto applique, new IFF control panel, a circuit card upgrade to the APX-119 transponder, support equipment upgrades and replacement of data loader from the avionics bay to the flight deck.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2011
• Source ID: 675195_0401219F_7_3600_PB_2011

Tags

Readers

• Aerospace Engineering
• Aviation Safety and Air Traffic Management
• Civilian Systems Systems Program Capability Development and Upgrade Support Activity Expense and Pay Management.

Technology Areas

• Space