Apache Mission Processor Software Architecture: Future Airborne Capability Environment (FACETM) Considerations

Abstract

Open systems architecture (OSA) applied to rotorcraft avionics has continued to mature and evolve during the past decade. The Apache attack helicopter mission processor software architecture, networked common operating real-time environment (NCORE), was originally architected to reduce life cycle costs, minimize the time to incorporate and field new capabilities, take advantage of new software technologies, and improve the organization of existing functional capabilities. The Open Group's Future Airborne Capability Environment (FACETM) consortium is an ongoing joint industry, academia, Department of Defense initiative that is defining a new business model and reference architecture with the objective of dramatically reducing new aviation platform development costs and enabling the leveraging of common software applications across platforms: “develop once use often.” FACE technical strategies include standardizing interfaces between reference architecture segments, specifying multiple profiles, and employing a shared repository-based data model that facilitates application reuse across aviation platforms. Software reuse and integration of software components provided by multiple suppliers is discussed relative to architecture trade-offs; software component refactoring into smaller reusable elements impacts runtime performance, system complexity, and maintenance. After providing technical context, analysis leads to the overarching conclusion that the FACE reference architecture and future rotorcraft programs that leverage it can benefit from NCORE OSA–proven strategies, approaches, and decisions. Similarly, the NCORE OSA must continue to evolve and further align with the FACE reference architecture to enable both new and existing application reuse and to remain current and relevant.