COTS for military applications: been there, done that, got the PC cards

Abstract

OSC/FD has successfully implemented unmodified PC Cards in military equipment. These implementations have been for memory only. In one instance PC Cards are being used in a new system (Bradley Fighting Vehicle Mass Memory Unit) and in another instance PC Cards are being used to cost effectively upgrade an existing system (the PC Card upgrade to the AN/ASQ-215 Navy standard data loader). OSC/FD is working on the application of PC Cards (or Credit Electronics) beyond memory. Both retrofit and new developments are being considered. Using PC Cards, with their limited processing and interface capabilities, in a complex, multi-processor military applications is significant challenge, but one OSC/FD will achieve.