Integrated interface definition tool development: Interface TRAC

The system engineering discipline has begun to mature in recent years and several companies have addressed the need for requirement tools. The second generation tools available today have improved their interfaces and capabilities a great deal. However, they still remain relatively rigid in their application of system engineering and rarely do they address all facets of engineering systems. Programs that existed without system engineering as we know it today (such as E-3 AWACS) frequently have difficulty in adapting to the available tools. When this happens, there are several choices. Obviously, the system engineer can continue on with the methodology developed over years of use. The system could be re-engineered, essentially scrapping the existing methodology and building tools anew. Or, a progressive evolution can be initiated. This paper explores the first tentative steps of evolving internal interface management automation, using Microsoft Access(R), on the NATO Mid Term AWACS Program. This tool set automates avionics interface modeling and documentation needed to support interface identification, definition and control. The NATO Mid Term Program is a mid-life technology update and insertion program for the 17 NATO E-3A AWACS aircraft.