Support environment methodologies for the rapid reprogramming of operational flight programs

A description is given of the advanced multi-purpose support environment (AMPSE), a modular support environment used in testing, modifying, verifying, and validating operational flight programs (OFPs). It utilizes distributed processing with multiple common computers communicating over a high-speed real-time network. The hardware and software design uses a modular, building-block approach that has many advantages over traditional architectures. While offering advantages such as reliability, flexibility, reduced acquisition and support costs and reduced size, the most significant advantage of AMPSE is expandability. The AMPSE architectural concept allows computers to be added incrementally as additional processing power is required. This permits new technologies to replace old technologies gradually, thus avoiding the need for expensive upgrade efforts. Most importantly, AMPSE is a base to be built upon to support more sophisticated weapon systems. The authors examine and explain the AMPSE configuration and concept and identify logical extensions into radar/electronic warfare software supportability and automated testing. Issues such as the real-time digital modeling of emitters, jammers, and sensors in order to provide realistic testing of OFPs are addressed