Abstract
In 1999, BAE Systems in Brough, UK, was experiencing challenges with in-service harmonization equipment. In an avionics context, harmonization refers to the task of aligning all modules of the navigation, avionics and weapons systems to the airframe itself – a task carried out regularly on military aircraft. Realizing that industrial providers might offer better solutions and value-for-money than traditional military suppliers, a project was launched to evaluate technologies that could form the basis for an improved harmonization system – an example of 'thinking outside the box'. In 2001, the initial field of 18 technologies deemed interesting had been narrowed down to a single preferred technology, and a rough system concept had been developed – winning a BAE Systems Chairman's Silver Innovation Award. Towards the end of 2005, this concept will enter operational use with three air forces as the 'Harmolign' system developed by BAE Systems and Metronor. This paper follows the process from concept to qualified military equipment, with particular emphasis on the special requirements placed on operational military equipment, compared to industrial systems.
Cite this paper
Harald Suphellen, Stephen 'Dusty' Rhodes. Metronor; BAE Systems, Brough, UK. Presented at the Coordinate Metrology Systems Conference 2005, Austin, Texas, July 18-22, 2005. Coordinate Metrology Society, reference CMS-2005-016.