Avionics / Mission Equipment Package (MEP)

The Avionics/Mission Equipment Package (MEP) is becoming a most important consideration in the conceptual design of Rotary Wing aircraft. Flyaway MEP cost is approaching or exceeding aircraft cost. Prudent prime and supplier management are becoming increasingly aware of this fact from both requirement and opportunity standpoints. The conceptual design process starts with requirements (usually preliminary, ill-defined, ever-changing). The initial conceptual formulation results in an architecture identifying the basic system/subsystem elements, their functional interconnections, redundancies and data rates. Type A system design specifications provide the basis for subsequent subsystem requirements together with concurrent Crew Station Formats and operationaV human factor formulations. These in turn drive the preparation of detail Hardware/Software design/ procurement specifications. The ultimate hardware/ software is integrated, checked out and accepted in accordance with an AQS - Acceptance Qualificationtype Specification that insures delivery of an aircraft/MEP suite compliant with the requirements. Companion papers describe Flight Controls, Crew Stations, Weapons/Fire Control "Conceptual Design/Process" considerations. This paper will discuss MEP considerations in terms of a generalized implementing organizational structure, requirements and architectures, thus enabling a basis for top level MEP conceptual definition. Representative past and future considerations are portrayed. Emphasis is placed upon the "enabling glue" of MEP implementation - Software. Finally, some considerations/ recommendations to MEP management are made in terms of "lessons learned" to hopefully facilitate future MEP implementations.