Patent ID: 6349898
Filing Date: 2002-02-26
Classification: F41G

Abstract:
An apparatus for providing an electrical interface between a controls and displays module of an aircraft and a precision-guided missile carried by the aircraft for launching against a target, the missile automatically recognizing a target as corresponding to a predetermined target defined by target image data stored in a memory unit of the missile and guiding the missile to the target based on target location data stored in the memory unit of the missile, the aircraft including means for providing target image and location data, the apparatus comprising a mission-planning unit including:a target image data interface unit that receives target image data from the controls and displays module of the aircraft in a first predetermined format and translates said target image data into a second predetermined format usable by the missile; and a target location data interface unit that receives target location data from the controls and displays module of the aircraft in a third predetermined format and translates said target location data into a fourth predetermined format usable by the missile; the interface units each being connected to a data bus of the aircraft that is connected to the missile such that target image and location data are downloaded over the data bus to the missile while the aircraft is in flight and prior to launch of the missile, whereby the apparatus permits in-flight mission planning for the missile.