Shown here is a rugged multi-role avionics control panel with modular electronics sub-systems designed for simple upgradeability and maintenance in retrofit aerospace applications. Currently deployed as the Improved Operator Control Panel (IOCP) onboard all Navy EA-6B Prowler aircraft worldwide, this MIL-STD-810E-tested mission processor integrates reliable commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) electronics and rugged packaging to meet the demanding requirements of military cockpit environments. Its key features include a daylight readable 6.4” Active-Matrix Liquid Crystal Display (AMLCD), Pentium®-class CPU, NEMA 4X ATR chassis, 28V aircraft power supply, 20-position keypad/joystick, and dual solid-state removable hard drives with data zeroization capabilities. Descriptions of each sub-system follow: Display - High-resolution (640x480), VGA-compatible TFT-LCD protected by a polycarbonate window with hard, ITO, and anti-reflective coatings. Integrates an 850nit adjustable backlight for sunlight or nighttime operations. Enclosed in all-aluminum extrusion with internal shock and vibration isolation and a thermostat-controlled heater for low temperature operation. Computer: Modular 266MHz Pentium-class single board computer with 128MB of soldered SDRAM, 10/100 Ethernet, 2x RS-232/422/485, Video, AC97 Audio, Parallel, 2x USB, IDE, PS/2, Keyboard, Floppy, and Watchdog timer. Supports x86 compatible operating systems. All PC/104 form factor computer boards are held in removable, railed card cage with external shock and vibration isolation. Chassis and Power: 1 ATR form factor, welded-aluminum chassis. Includes standard ARINC 404A J-hooks and bushings. 50 Watt, 28 Volt power supply designed to meet MIL-STD-704 transient requirements and power line emissions filtering. Includes elapsed time indicator. Keypad/Joystick: Operates similar to standard PC mouse and keyboard. 20-position keypad includes Windows® navigation, numerical entry and function keys. Highly water-resistant. Shielded from EMI emissions. Hard Drives: 256MB (or better) Flash cartridges are removable from the front panel. These solid-state disks have internal shock and vibration isolation and 48-pin Euro-DIN connectors positioned to ensure reliable mate/un-mate cycles. For zeroization and on-demand declassification, the unit can physically destroy storage media using an electrical pulse from the aircraft system’s 'Weight on Wheels' or 'Ejection Seat Fired' signals.
