Central Interface Control System (CICS)

Abstract

A-10 Central Interface Control System (CICS) replaces the aging Central Interface Control Unit (CICU)that suffers from high failure rates, Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Materiel Supply (DMSMS) issues, and insufficient data processing capacity. The RDT&E effort encompasses software and hardware development, Software Integration Laboratory (SIL) test stand, support equipment and software, cyber security testing. The Operational Flight Program will need to be rewritten in a modular, containerized format so that it is easily modified, repaired and upgraded. The hardware will need to be updated to meet the environmental requirements of the A-10, manage numerous upgrades to the A-10 which include, but are not limited to: 3D Audio, HRDS, JRG, 2GES, HObIT, Link 16, SDB 1 and 2, FliteScene, LITENING Digital Pod, MUOS, SATURN and ARC-210 Gen VI. The CICS will utilize modern single board computers that have increased computing capacity, operate in high temperature environments and are available to support timely repair and replacement. The CICS hardware will provide ample processing power to meet the current and future needs of the weapons platform for planned and future growth. Additionally, it will convert selected analog systems outputs on the aircraft to digital and meet USAF mandated upgrades. Testing will be a major component of the RDT&E. Testing includes vendor testing, the A-10 SILs, Cyber Security, and use of A-10 Developmental and Operational Testing ensuring the system meets safety and airworthiness criteria. The OFP and CICS hardware implementation will require operational testing and certification to include weapons release and stores management. Finally, RDT&E funds will be used to design a sustainable, repairable and supportable system for the A-10 out to 2040. RDT&E funds will develop new test scripts for existing maintenance and repair testers. By designing a modular system that can be easily fault checked, replaceable and upgradeable, the CICS will be a system that can support the weapon system for the mid-term increasing the reliability and availability of the aircraft.

Document Details

• Document Type: Accomplishment
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2022
• Source ID: ab17791fac574ea7fb0b124e85c37ae0

Tags

Fields of Study

• Engineering

Readers

• Civilian Systems Systems Program Capability Development and Upgrade Support Activity Expense and Pay Management.
• Computer Science/Computer Engineering/Data Science/Digital Signal Processing.

Technology Areas

• Cyber