The Nebula and MCF (Military Computer Family) Standardization Programs,
Abstract
Military computers are currently employed in defense systems to perform a wide range of functions in the areas of weapon control, command and control, communications, intelligence analysis, navigation, surveillance, target acquisition, sensors, electronic warfare, and combat support services. Over the years, the number of types of computers used in such systems has increased. This proliferation has become a serious problem in that it increases the cost of software development and support, maintenance, training, and the supply pipeline. Further, it impedes competition for technology upgrades and reduces overall battlefield survivability. Recognition by the Department of Defense and the military services of the need to curtail proliferation has resulted in efforts to standardize at various levels: high-order language and its software environment, instruction-set architecture (ISA), and hardware. With regard to the first level, the services are working together to standardize the Ada language. At the second level, the Navy has standardized on the ISA's of the AN/UYK-43 and AN/UYK-44. The Air Force has standardized on the MIL-STD-1750 ISA and both the Army and the Air Force have standardized on the MIL-STD-1862 (Nebula) ISA. Computer hardware standardization, due to different needs, has not extended across service lines. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1982
- Accession Number
- ADP003531
Entities
People
- E. Lieblein
Organizations
- United States Army Communications-Electronics Command