Networked diagnostic communications in avionics support

Abstract

Accurate diagnosis of avionics failures is being complicated by increasing complexity in the prime system, combined with COTS maintenance documentation and software that tend to be less comprehensive and more difficult to keep current, when compared to that of specially developed systems. These complications, and their potentially negative impact on diagnostic effectiveness and mission readiness, can be alleviated by using modern network technology to provide an "expert presence" at the local maintenance site, even though the expertise to solve a given diagnostic problem may be distributed among several remote locations. Expert presence includes, but is not limited to, video conferencing. Uploading of cockpit video, as well as special documentation and software downloads may also be employed.