The Challenges of O-Level Test
The F-16 ACPTS was a very simple handheld device with a single measurement channel to check for stray voltage and missing firing signals, while the F-15 ACPTS was a more robust product possessing two measurement channels. Both of these pieces of test equipment had to be combined with large box test sets for in-depth troubleshooting, such as the 75501 Test Set, making the flightline cluttered with multiple test sets and their associated cables, etc.
Over the years, F-16 and other platforms have received numerous upgrades to their avionics and armament systems including "Smart" (Mil-STD-1553 and -1760) weapons technology. Yet, maintainers are still required to use the same or similar ACPTS combined with the big box test equipment fielded to verify that these sophisticated armament and munitions systems are actually fully mission capable (FMC). This combination of box test sets and ACPTS equipment doesn’t deliver the capabilities needed to support today’s Smart weapons in a cost-effective and easy-to-deploy mode.
To further illustrate the challenges facing the O-Level maintainer, current USAF fighter aircraft armament systems utilize over fourteen different test sets, with most facing obsolescence and others identified only for use at O-Level or I-Level. Examples include the 5060, Viper, Edna, FIST, GMLTS, CMBRE, 197, 198, 199, COLT, SST, and MBFI test sets. O-Level armament support for the F-16 may require up to five different testers (5060, SST, FIST, MBFI and Viper), with each tester being employed for a different function or mission.
Some testers, such as the FIST or GMLTS, only perform a single function for supporting armament on a single aircraft, while others like CMBRE perform a single function, but can support multiple aircraft. The logistics and sustainment cost challenges are clear when faced with supporting such a broad range of test sets. The impact from these logistic challenges includes long repair lead times, training inconsistencies and overall proficiency requirements for the maintainer.
SmartCan - Smart Test for Smart Weapons
Full featured and complete testing of the 1760 interface is key to ensuring mission readiness. Recognizing this need for a next generation flightline test solution, Marvin Test Solutions (MTS) developed the MTS-3060A SmartCan™ Universal O-Level Armament Test Set. As a universal flightline armament test set, the SmartCan is capable of testing all legacy and Smart interfaces used on military aircraft.
The SmartCan is fully capable of replacing EVERY O-Level armament test set in use today across any Service.
In fact, some customers are currently able to consolidate and replace their fleet of armament test sets across several aircraft with a single SmartCan configured to support their armament. MTS has delivered SmartCans configured to support up to four separate aircraft to customers and many more could be added if desired, eliminating the traditional need to deploy a multitude of aircraft-specific armament test sets on the flightline.
Field input from one FMS customer documented that six flightline test sets used on the F-16 and F-15 were replaced by one SmartCan, significantly reducing their logistics footprint. Benefits were also realized from consistent and common training for all aircraft armament specialists. |  |
The SmartCan performs pre-load test by emulating the Smart weapon, e.g., JDAM, and is able to verify the operational capability of the systems it tests. The SmartCan’s ability to replace the F-16’s ACPTS and 75501/SST on the flightline, as well as all other legacy and 5th generation aircraft armament test systems, simplifies logistics while significantly reducing the cost of acquisition, test, maintenance, and test set footprint. In fact, the SmartCan™ costs a fraction of the ACPTS and 75501/SST combination on the flightline while delivering superior test capabilities.
Field setup and test times are significantly reduced. F-16 test setup, when compared to the current solution, was reduced from 45 minutes to 4 minutes; (91% reduction). Similarly, F-16 test execution times for a pylon utilizing MIL-STD-1760 and the LAU-129 were reduced from 20 minutes to 3 minutes (85% reduction), and 35 minutes to 4 minutes (89% reduction) respectively. F-15 testing realized similar savings.
The SmartCan is a true common universal test set with multi-domain capabilities, addressing an armament test gap that exists across legacy 4th and 5th generation aircraft equipped with Smart weapon technology (MIL-STD-1760) and enabling support for any platform and any Smart or legacy armament system.
One test set, one solution, unlimited uses.
Resources to Explore
The SmartCan is part of Marvin Test Solutions’ comprehensive suite of armament and munitions test sets. Visit our website to learn more about why the SmartCan is the current choice of multiple air forces and supporting their fleets worldwide. Additionally, you will find links to our armament maintainer Blog.
Finally, while there you can explore our KnowledgeBase for informative white papers and articles on the subject of armament test, including:
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