A system level view of Avionics/Vetronics cooling options for harsh environment two-level maintenance systems

Avionics/Vetronics design for advanced fighters, helicopters, and ground vehicles is driven by requirements to minimize total ownership cost; minimize weight and volume by achieving a high functional density; to perform reliably in the harsh environment of uninhabited equipment bays; to be compatible with two-level maintenance; and to facilitate insertion of new technology. This paper explores the effect of these requirements on the selection of a system level thermal management concept, as well as the strengths and weakness of several approaches. Tradeoffs between the use of COTS modules and custom module designs, by program specific military system contractors, are addressed in this context. It is concluded that industry changes currently underway, have the potential to make the use of COTS modules considerably more attractive.