MLRS Mixed Loads

MLRS Mixed Loads

• Objective: Allow MLRS M270A1 IFCS Launcher to support multiple, simultaneously loaded weapon pods without software reload
• Evaluated MLRS IFCS software architecture (VxWorks 2.01/2.2, GHC Ada, C/C++ BSP)
  • 13 Weapon Types – 26 Weapon-specific CSCIs
  • 500k+ LOC per weapon: ~200k LOCs weapon specific
• Determined minimalist approach to merge the two weapon classes:
  • Guided Rockets (2), TACAMS Block 1A (3)
  • Minimal modifications to SA/MMI display
  • Modification to only two system messages in order to direct ballistics processing to appropriate ballistics calculator
• Modified and merged weapon and ballistics managers for two weapons
• Tested and demonstrated the Mixed Loads software
  • Used Hardware-Independent software test bed to speed development
  • Demonstrated on M270A1 Launcher using AFTDS with SINCGARS radio communications and weapon simulators
• Iron bird and firing test is all that remains to be performed before release