Sperry’s Solution to the Army’s IDAS Program 860856

The Integrated Digital Avionics System (IDAS) provides the Army with an approach to standard avionics architecture including common CNX systems and man/machine interfaces. This paper addresses Sperry’s approach to the two current applications of the IDAS concept. These programs are the OH- 58 Army Helicopter Improvement Program (AHIP) program and the OV-1 Mohawk block improvement program. Each program employs a similar data bus architecture (control and backup control), a common communications suite including IFF, and common displays and data entry devices. Differences in the navigational package are driven by each of the aircraft’s program requirements. In addition, each has a different mission equipment package. The OV-1 program includes the integration of the aircraft survivability equipment (ASE) components. The goals of the IDAS concept include limiting the avionics hardware and software proliferation between aircraft types by use of standard GFE components and functional software modules. Of major importance is the use of standard display formats and data entry procedures which increase the operator’s familiarity with the equipment and reduce training time. Of equal importance is the reduction of maintenance times and costs due to common equipment.