AFFORDABLE AVIONICS

The current fiscal situation also demands that the service life of existing weapon systems be extended and that - to the maximum extent possible - we pursue
common solutions to common operational requirements. Consequently, our avionics systems must be lighter, smaller, less complex, and possess greater functionality. We must field dual-use systems that can adapt to emerging communication, navigational, safety and computing concepts, and that promote safe and efficient flight in Department of Defense, U.S. civil, and European airspace.

We have responded to the austere funding environment by pioneering "win win" partnerships between Naval Aviation and industry for updated, affordable, and jointly- interoperable mission avionics. Ongoing acquisition reform efforts have provided the opportunity to get the most out of our existing funding, enabling us to achieve significant incremental decreases in unit cost and increases in system reliability and readiness. Pre-planned digital technology insertion for next-generation systems and the implementation of a commercial maintenance concept virtually eliminates obsolescence issues. Acquisition savings and the program manager's ability to leverage industry products and independent R&D investments provides Naval Aviation with a rapid and cost-effective means to achieve increased avionics functionality.

Performance-based avionics requirements may allow us to share systems with the Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, and commercial users. Future avionics components used by Naval Aviation may also be used in other airborne, surface, and ground-vehicle applications, a development that will benefit the entire Department of Defense.

Our vision of air combat electronics in the next century includes a systems approach that integrates modular hardware products - including the Modular Communications System (MCS), the Modular Guidance/Navigation System (MGS), and the Modular Mission Processor (MMP) - under the Advanced Mission Information Management System (AMIMS). This "System of Systems for Tomorrow" has significant growth potential. It will accommodate advances in networking, broadcast intelligence, enhanced situational imagery, mission replanning, targeting, and threat avoidance.