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Stores Management Processor (space model)

Technical Information

Catalogue No: C0411
Category: Stores/Weapon Management
Object Type: Model
Object Name: Stores Management Processor (space model)
Part No: None
Serial No: None
Manufacturer: GEC Avionics
Division: Unknown
Platform(s):
Year of Manufacture: Unknown
Dimensions: Width (mm): 190
Height (mm): 195
Depth (mm): 306
Weight (g): 3,420
Location: Rack RAA04 [Main Store]
Inscription(s):

GEC Avionics Limited
Stores Management Processor
Code K0656
Modification Record -

Notes:

This is a space model marked as a Stores Management Processor. It is very similar to the EA-6B unit which suggests that it was an early concept to prove the installation

A Stores Management System (SMS) is used to manage the weapons and other supplies attached to a military aircraft. The pilot uses the SMS to programme the selected weapon for each master mode, load stores into the inventory (tell the airplane what stores are loaded), enter weapon release data, activate loaded weapons, monitor weapons load and status, and control selective jettison.

The RAA contains a number of models of equipment and aircraft. The equipment models were used as a marketing aid and often to ensure that the production unit will fit in the space; this was particularly true for Head Up Displays. Such equipment models will have minimal or no functionality. Models might  just be used as weighted units or as cockpit lighting evaluation units. The HUD used on the YF-16 was of the correct weight and envelope but only mounted the Spin 'chute button (a feature only required for the early test flights). Many of these models were made by professional model makers from the original drawings and could be quite expensive; alternatively the real hardware would be used.

The aircraft models range from the simple small scale kits to quite large display items. The large model aircraft were often a marketing tool from places like Airbus or Boeing but may be found in Boardrooms or Reception areas wheras the small models may be given as a visitor handout. Those models made from kits have largely been brought in from home but are useful to illustrate the platform alongside the equipment. The large models will be hugely expensive.

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