OMNI provides secure communications with the base LAN via Fortezza-encrypted IEEE 802.11 wireless communications or through an IEEE 802.3 Ethernet cable interface. For added versatility, the system offers PC Card and compact flash slots. This allows the use of COTS equipment, greatly reducing life cycle costs and maintenance support requirements. Although OMNI offers all of the capabilities of a personal computer, it is designed to avoid many of the pitfalls that make typical PCs susceptible to failure in the flight line environment. For example, the normal OMNI configuration does not have an integrated display or keyboard.
Monitors are notoriously fragile and prone to failures in harsh environments.
Keyboards provide avenues for contamination by dirt, water, and chemicals that can render the keyboard useless as well as damaging internal parts. The absence of an integrated keyboard and attached display means that all of the previously mentioned functions can be provided in a device no larger than a typical ruggedized laptop computer. Yet, peripherals including keyboards, displays, printers, etc. can be supported by OMNI s industry standard connectors and drivers. OMNI is expected to be available by the end of CY2001.