Engineering solutions

Upgrades

DLS can perform Link 16 terminal hardware and software upgrades in the field or during normal maintenance cycles at our regional or depot service centers. DLS can also provide tools that will allow customers to perform software upgrades independently.

Software

DLS can perform investigations relating to software fault reports and can prepare preliminary responses. The preliminary responses would include details of the investigation, such as nature of the investigation, and data and documents reviewed. For DLS vendor software, the response would include the recommended solution and an assessment of the effort required to implement the solution. For MPO controlled software, the response would include a recommendation for creation of a problem report. DLS can assist with the development of the problem reports.

Link 16 products

Over the lifecycle of a DLS terminal or other Link 16 products, some parts used to manufacture the product may become obsolete. DLS can provide relevant obsolescence register information to DLS customers who maintain their own spares stock for DLS repair use.

When a DLS supplier decides to discontinue production of a part, they will normally provide a date for last time buys to purchasers. The purchaser must then evaluate whether they currently have enough stock, additional stock is available on the aftermarket, a replacement parts exists, or if a last time buy is needed to maintain repair and production estimates for the product’s lifetime. An obsolescence register is created that defines:

• DLS part number
• Vendor part number
• Part description
• Assembly used on
• Anticipated corrective action plan
• Quantity used per terminal
• Last Time Buy exercise date

In addition, this register will identify those parts which DLS believes will become obsolete within the next 12 months. The anticipated obsolescence data is based upon input from the vendors and may change at their discretion. It is included in the register to provide a more pro-active approach with regard to parts procurement.

Configuration management

DLS utilizes a Configuration Management (CM) system to control the system’s functional and physical characteristics over the life-cycle of a product. CM principles provide for the orderly establishment, documentation, and maintenance of a product’s functional performance and physical attributes, managing changes to the attributes, and furnishing accurate information essential to the product’s use, reproduction, maintenance, and procurement. Configuration Control of software will be particularly important for fielded products – both by DLS and by user organizations.

Configuration management documentation addresses:

• Configuration identification methods to identify the product and its associated documentation
• Configuration control
• Configuration status accounting
• Configuration audit

Software control documentation includes:

• Providing traceability of software part numbers to the drawing control system
• Sorting and protecting software media from unauthorized access, inadvertent damage, or degradation
• Ensuring documentation and archival of each software version
• Identifying and marking software media
• Reviewing and approving software changes
• Reviewing and approving software changes

Repair Verification Test Procedure (RVTP)

The Repair Verification Test Procedure will be used to validate a field or Intermediate Level (I-Level) repair of a MIDS terminal. It is against this document that DLS will provide repair quality assurance and performance guarantees.

Developmental/Integration Documentation

Developmental documentation such as an installation drawing, Interface Control Document (ICD), System Segment Specification (SSS), and Declaration of Design and Performance (DDP) can also be included in a documentation plan.