Mission and Combat System Research and Design Center is the nodal agency of HAL for undertaking activities in the areas of Avionics upgrade, design and development of avionics & display systems and Operational Flight Program software for Aircraft, Helicopters and Simulators.

Jaguar DARIN-II upgrade:
MCSRDC has taken up DARIN II (Display Attack Ranging and Inertial Navigation) upgrade of Jaguar aircraft. This upgrade is successfully completed with integration of indigenously developed Mission Computer, Navigation system, Communication systems, Electro-optics, Electronic Counter Measures and new weapons. The upgrade with Improved Mission capabilities is also tested for precision weapon delivery. The program is successfully completed to the full satisfaction of the customer and certified.

Sea Harrier Upgrade:
MCSRDC has taken up the Avionics Upgrade of Sea Harrier (LUSH upgrade). This upgrade has increased the survivability and weapon delivery capabilities by integration of the state-of-the-art Fire Control Radar, Data link, Digital Recording Systems and Beyond Visual Range missile system. The Upgraded avionics trials have been successfully completed and the Final Operational Clearance obtained. Simultaneously, the avionics modification of fleet has also been completed at in-situ.

Jaguar DARIN-III Upgrade :
MCSRDC has taken up upgrade of Display Attack Ranging and Inertial Navigation (DARIN) standard Jaguar Aircraft to DARIN III standard. The upgrade includes indigenous Open System Architecture Mission Computer (OSAMC), near Glass Cockpit (Two Smart Multifunction Displays, HUD, Engine & Flight Instrument System and CDU), Solid State Digital Video Recording System, Fire Control Radar, EW Suite, Autopilot along with Contemporary systems such as RLG-INGPS, Digital Map Generator, Wide angle FOV HUD of DARIN II platform. The upgrade will enhance mission & operational capability, lethality and survivability of the Jaguars during deep penetration attacks.

Upgradation of Mirage-2000 Aircraft:
Avionics upgrade on Mirage aircraft has taken up by MCSRDC to augment the mission and data link capabilities. The scope of work includes integration of avionics systems viz Helmet Mounted Display System, Air Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation system, Laser Designation Pod, Counter Measures Dispensing System, Crystal Maze and indigenously developed Mission computer.

Automatic Flight Control System for Light Combat Helicopter:
MCSRDC has undertaken the indigenous development of Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS) for Light Combat Helicopter. MCSRDC involved in development of Operational Flight software for Automatic Flight Control Computer System and the new Pilot Control Unit. The system will be integrated on the Helicopter and evaluated during flight tests

Integrated Avionics Display System for Light Combat Helicopter:
MCSRDC has undertaken the indigenous design and development of state-of-the-art Integrated Avionics and Display system (IADS) for Light Combat Helicopter (LCH). The main systems of IADS are Display and Mission Computer, Data Interface Unit, Active Matrix Liquid Crystal Displays and control units. The new generation Display and Mission computer is of Open system architecture type with high speed backplane and real time operating system. The IADS activities encompass the system architecture & system design, design and development of application software and test rigs, Hardware-Software integration and testing. The application software includes sensor data processing, navigation guidance, search and rescue, weapon aiming computations for air-to-air & air-to-ground attacks, display generation & management of Human-Machine-Interfaces, mission & weapon system management. The IADS is intended to reduce crew work load and improve helicopter safety and capability. MCSRDC as the architect of IADS has ensured flexibility, redundancy and growth potential in the design of IADS.

Solid State Crash Data Recorder (SSCDR):
MCSRDC has undertaken design and development of Solid State Crash Data Recorder for Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). SSCDR records the aircraft flight information in digital format using solid state protected memory as a recording medium. Both Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) functions have been combined into a single LRU. It records both 08 hours of specific aircraft performance parameters and 02 Hours of audio data. Data recorded by the SSCDR is used for accident investigation, as well as for analyzing air safety issues and engine performance. SSCDR has been successfully integrated and evaluated on LCA. Approval of Transfer of Technology to Avionics Division, Korwa for series production accorded by CEMILAC.

Mission Computers
Open System Architecture Mission Computer (OSAMC):
MCSRDC has taken up design and development of OSAMC for Jaguar DARIN-III aircraft. This indigenously designed & developed Mission Computer controls all the sensors placed in the avionics network and performs the navigation and weapon guidance functions. The Mission Computer commands and controls the functioning of Jaguar avionics through a MIL-1553B digital bus network; performs Man Machine Interface through Cockpit controls, Head-Up & Head Down display through Cockpit controls, Head-Up & Head Down display management, System Mode Management & Redundancy Management. The Mission Computer Software (Operational Flight Program) developed for Mission Computer of DARIN-II has been successfully flight tested & inducted in the Jaguar fleet of IAF and has been hailed by the User as the most user-friendly with state-of-the-art features. The success of this program has been one giant step towards achieving self-reliance in design and development of airborne mission systems and integration of aircraft avionics system. 

Display and Mission Computer (DMC) for LCH
Integrated Architecture and Display System (IADS) is an integrated mission control and display system, interfaced with various navigation sensors, communication systems and airframe sensors installed on the Light Combat helicopter (LCH). The Display and Mission Computer (DMC) is the main controller for the IADS configuration that acquires and processes data from on-board helicopter avionic systems, generates graphic symbology as well as moving maps and drives the MFDs for display. DMC carries out the complete navigation processing, weapon computations and generates the necessary audio/visual warnings. It sends various flight parameters for flight data and video recording.

DMC shall perform following major functions:

• Command and Control of LCH Avionics
• Navigation and Weapon Aiming
• Human-Machine-Interface, including Display generation and Management for MFDs
• Digital Map Generation
• Video Switching, Format conversion and Overlaying
• Mission Data up-loading and Downloading
• Built In Test

MC  for Mirage Upgrade program:
Mission Computers for the MIRAGE 2000 upgrade is used for integration through MIL-1553B bus to manage different equipment stores, weapon aiming computation, guidance and delivery. It interacts with MC of aircraft through a high-speed Ethernet data link, besides handling graphics and  video switching functions

Mission Computer for IJT :

• An Indigenous IJT MC is designed to meet all the functional and the computational requirements of present avionics system of HJT-36 A/c, along with additional advanced features to increase the training value for a rookie pilot. It is based on open system architecture, with multiple HUD and MFD derive capability  and caters to the requirements of
• The IJT MC shall be based on cPCI (Compact PCI) Architecture. Primary attributes of MC3 components shall be availability, modularity and flexibility of design.

The division has Core competence in design and manufacturing of variety of Flight simulators:

• Air Combat Simulator:

The Air Combat Simulator (ACS) is upgraded with state of the art domes, projectors, Radar & HUD symbols and aircraft models to train pilots in close combat scenario. ACS simulates ten aircraft models that include Jaguar, MiG-21, MiG-23, F-16, Mirage-2000, Su-30, MiG-27, MiG-29, Shenyang F-6 and Mirage V. The project has been successfully completed for Indian Air Force in July 2013.

• Avionics Part Task Trainer (APTT):

MCSRDC has built APTT to train pilots for operating the upgraded Avionics systems in MIG 21 BIS aircraft

• NWSMS  The Navigation and weapon system Mission simulator (NWSMS) for Mirage aircraft helps in training of operators in the maintenance of Navigation and Weapon systems. MCSRDC has taken up the Upgrade of NWSMS for Mirage aircraft through Joint Venture and has successfully completed the program.
  

• MMS: MCSRDC has successfully completed Upgrade of Mirage Mission Simulator for training the pilot to operate Mirage-2000 aircraft.

• FMS:The Division in a Joint Venture program has taken up design and development of Full Mission Simulator for training the pilot to operate HJT-36 aircraft.
  

• MCSRDC also provides consultancy / assistance in specific technology areas of flight simulation and overhauling

 MCRDC has successfully completed a number of projects for integration of Avionics system on various Aircraft:

Jaguar Aircraft:  
MCSRDC has completed following Avionics System integration on Jaguar aircraft.

• Jaguar DARIN-II upgrade:
  MCSRDC has successfully completed DARIN II (Display Attack Ranging and Inertial Navigation) upgrade of Jaguar aircraft with integration of indigenously developed Mission Computer, Navigation system, Communication systems, Electro-optics, Electronic Counter Measures and new weapons. The upgrade with Improved Mission capabilities was tested for precision weapon delivery to the full satisfaction of the customer and certified.
  
  Integration of EW suite RWR/SPJ/CMDS, Auto pilot, LDP, VOR/ILS/TACAN, Reconnaissance system, Air Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation system, New Generation Laser Guided Bombs, Auto Pilot (for controlling the aircraft pitch  and roll to achieve the task), Helmet Mounted Display System, Multi Input Audio Warning system (provides an synthesized audio warning and flashing light warning message),  Flap warning system (for providing audio and visual warning to the pilot in the cockpit), Helmet Mounted Display System on Jaguar aircraft.
  
  Fire Control Radar, Digital Video Recording System and Autopilot system on Jaguar Maritime aircraft.
  
  
• Sea Harrier Upgrade:
  MCSRDC completed the Avionics Upgrade of Sea Harrier by integration of the state-of-the-art Fire Control Radar, Data link, Digital Recording Systems and Beyond Visual Range missile system. The Upgraded avionics trials have been completed and the Final Operational Clearance obtained with successful live firing of BVR missile on live target (PTA) using the Fire Control Radar. This upgrade has increased the survivability and weapon delivery capabilities. The avionics modification of fleet has also been completed.
  
  
• TU142 and IL-38 Aircraft:
  Integration of Automatic Identification System-Maritime Domain Awareness (AIS-MDA) modification on TU142 and IL-38 aircraft. The automatic identification system (AIS) is used for plotting the position and movement of all ships whether commercial or military. MCSRDC has successfully integrated AIS-MDA system on aircraft.
  
  
• IL76 and IL78 Aircraft:
  MCSRDC has completed Integration of Radar warning Receiver as an Electronic Support Measures in IL-76 and IL-78 aircraft to detect and plot emitters around the aircraft.
  
  
• Surya Kiran Aircraft:
  Integration of Master Blinker Unit (MBU) on Kiran Mk II aircraft. MBU is by extending the existing warning (Generator Failure, Fire, Oil Low pressure, Fuel low pressure) indication by alerting the pilot through flashing Visual and Audio warning.
  

MCSRDC is engaged in full software development life cycle activities such as Software requirement specifications, High level and Detailed design, Software Coding, SW-SW Integration testing, SW module testing, HW-SW Integrat01ion testing on SW integration Rig, testing on System Integration Rig & aircraft Ground integration testing and Flight Data analysis to validate the performance of implemented functionalities during the flight.

Project Completed:
MCSRDC has successfully designed & developed software and algorithm for the following major airborne applications:

• Operational Flight Program (OFP) for DARIN II Jaguar aircraft based on Open Architecture software design. The OFP software consists of:
    - Sensor Data Processing.
    - System Mode Management.
    - Control and management of On-board sensors through Mil 1553, RS422 bus, ARINC 429, Analog, Syncro, discrete etc.
  - Control and management of HUD, UFCP and SMD pages.
  - Algorithm development for integration of Bombs, Rockets, Guns and smart Weapons
  - Navigation and Weapons Guidance computations.
  - On board moving Map Generation for Smart Multifunction Display.
  - Electronic Warfare systems integration.
  - Failure Management.
  - HUD symbology
  - On board simulations.
  
  
• Development of Mission software for HJT-36 aircraft.
  

Ongoing programs:
MCSRDC is currently involved in design and development of Operational Flight software for the following fixed and rotary wing aircraft applications:

-Mission Computer software development for the Nav-attack functionalities for DARIN-III upgrade project.
- Display & Mission computer (DMC) of Integrated Avionics Display System (IADS) for Light Combat Helicopter.
- Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS) for Light Combat Helicopter.
- Solid State Crash Data Recorder for Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).
- Integration of  Sensor Fused Weapon (SFW) for DARIN-II aircraft
- Integration of Smart Anti Airfiel weapon(SAAW) for DARIN-II aircraft
- Real Time Operating System for airborne computers (Ongoing Programs contd/):

MCSRDC has taken up an Technology Development project for Design & Development of Real Time Operating System (RTOS) for airborne computers.

The main features and the architecture of the RTOS are as follows:
- RTOS development based on ARINC-653 specification
- Memory and time partitioning
- Deterministic execution
- Priority-preemptive scheduling  of multiple processes
- Inter-partition and Intra-partition communication
- I/O Management
- Health Monitoring
- Device driver interfaces – RS232, PCI, MIL-1553 etc
- Advanced  protocols – Network Stack, USB, File System etc.

The indigenously developed RTOS can be used for any future avionics systems developed in India.

• Development of Mission Software for HJT-36 aircraft (Ongoing Programs contd/)

MCSRDC, HAL is involved in the Design and Development of Operational Flight Program (OFP) Software for HJT-36 Open System Architecture Mission Computer (OSAMC) and indigenous development of Navigation and Weapon Algorithms. The main functionalities of the HJT-36 OSAMC Software are Display & control for HUD, UFCP/RDEP & MFD, Sensor management, Failure Simulation, Mission Planning capability, Navigation & weapon aiming computations and also data transfer management between the intelligent cards.

MCSRDC is equipped with the following major facilities to take up design and development activities of various Mission and Combat systems.

Avionics Integration Test Rig (AIR) is used as a ground test facility, provides a platform to simulate the electrical/software environment with the displays and MMI similar to that in Aircraft. The AIR is used to carry out integration and testing of the avionics system functionalities. The Rig facilitates weapon controls to test and integrate the weapons (missiles, bombs, LGBs). It is used as a platform for integrated avionics systems testing and clearance of Hardware/software developed/used for the upgraded Avionics system from certifying agencies prior to aircraft testing and Flight trials.

Software and Weapon Integration Rig simulates signals of various systems having interfaces like 1553, ARINC, discrete, analog & Ethernet to communicate with Open System Architecture Mission Computer (OSAMC). The Rig facilitates loading of Operational Flight Programme and Map software files to OSAMC and to carry out software integration and testing of its functionalities.

Virtual Cockpit System (VCS) has been developed at MCSRDC to facilitate quick design, assessment and validation of Human Machine Interface (HMI) with the designer and user. It also generates associated software codes for direct implementation in the target system and related design documents.

Mission Planning and Debrief System (MPDS) is a PC-based ground system used to prepare preflight plan, generate Pre-Flight Message and preview of the planned missions. The system also facilitates the pilots/Flight Engineers/designers during post-Flight analysis to replay and analyze the video (HUD, SMD), audio and data recorded by the Digital Video Recording System. The MPDS Software tools also incorporate map manipulation utilities and Flight path re-construction.

SSCDR Ground Replay Equipment (GRE) enables the downloading of flight data from Solid State Crash Data Recorder (SSCDR) of Light Combat aircraft (LCA) Mk II. It converts the downloaded raw flight data into engineering value, analyses the data and provides results in graphical and tabular forms. For audio data analysis, it first decompresses the audio data that can be played back with the help of audio player available in the GRE itself. GRE software provides user friendly environment to select parameters for analysis, scaling, zooming & saving the processed data on the hard disk and also provides printing facility.

SSCDR Test Equipment: The Test equipment for SSCDR LCA Mk II can be used for Card level testing, Qualification testing and Hardware & Software Integration testing. Card level testing includes testing of analog card, discrete card, frequency card, CPU card and audio card with the help of test equipment. The qualification testing of SSCDR includes parameter generation (Analog, Discrete, Frequency, Flight control signals, Mil-1553B), read back the values over RS422 communication interface, Evaluation of parameters, performing Hardware Functionality test (HFT) with the help of HFT software fused in SSCDR, evaluation/Display of functions. Hardware & Software integration testing includes SSCDR software testing, Hardware & software integration testing, self test, breaking/monitoring of all signals and SSCDR programming.

Software Design and testing Tools: MCSRDC is equipped with various software development and testing tools viz. IBM Rational Raphsody, Rational Clear case, Requisite Pro, Rational publishing  Engine, Rational Clear Quest, Rational SODA, Rational ROSE, Artisan, DOORS, IDATA, SCADE, LABVIEW, Dimensions, Matlab, Simulink, CPLD programming, Rational test real time and LDRA for carrying out various software development activities and testing as per standards.


Integration Development Environment (IDE) and Compilers: MCSRDC is equipped with IDE viz. Wind River work bench, Tornado and Compilers viz. Borland C/C++ compilers, VC++ compiler, Metaware, Elan, GreenHills, Tasking and GNU compiler.

Hardware development lab: The lab is equipped with Standard Electrical Test equipment, Logic analyzer, Signal Generators, Spectrum analyzer, MIL-1553B data-bus analyzers, Harness testers, Automatic Test Equipment for Solid State Flight Data recorder, Aircraft Electrical load Analysis tools, Pilot vehicle interface station, In circuit Emulator for different targets and VME (Versa Module Euro) Development Station for validation of Open System Architecture Mission Computer (OSAMC) interfaces, validation of inter card and communication design on VME bus with the help of Power PCs.

Structural Design and Analysis tools: MCSRDC has the following design and analytical capabilities for structural and installation design on military aircraft.

• Structural Design:

-Feasibility study for avionics upgrade/mid-life extension of military aircraft
- Design of structural parts, sub assemblies and assemblies for new loads on aircraft.
- Installation design and aircraft structural repair schemes
- Detail design of parts, Generation of 3D models and 2D drawings and for new structural arts using Catia V6 & AutoCAD tools.
-Generation of NMG through reverse engineering
-Selection of structural materials considering stress and airworthiness requirements.
- Airworthiness clearance of aircraft.

• Design support:

-Design support during fabrication of part, sub-assemblies/assemblies and compliance on aircraft
-Design support for compliance of mod-kits on aircraft at customers’ place as part of upgrade programme
-Design support for preparation of various manuals and Technical publications preparation

• Analysis tools: CATIA-V6, CAD/CAM tools are utilized for detail design and part design in 3D models and 2D drawings for new structural elements.

Electrical Design: The division has the following electrical system design & integration capabilities  on Military aircraft.  
- Design of Electrical system interfaces and Electrical Load analysis.
-Definition of Interface Control Documents for the new Systems on aircraft.
- Layout design of electrical harness, installation and testing for the new/upgrade systems.
- Functional Test procedures for testing functionality of integrated avionics systems on rig and  on aircraft.
- Electromagnetic interference Tests on full aircraft Avionics/Non-Avionics System configurations in Static,         Engine-run and Flight conditions and Analysis.
- Failure mode Effect Analysis for the new /modified Equipment viz, Navigational, Display, Engine Control, Flight Instrumentation, Data Acquisition & Recording, desired for flight Clearance.

The division is equipped with the following hardware development facilities:

• Hardware test setup for DMC and MC2
• CAD STAR Schematic generation tool
• Xilinx  and Lattice Device Specific FPGA/CPLD tool
•  FAGA Design Simulation & Synthesis tools
• cPCI development System
• VME development System
• Thermal chamber
• Portable thermal chamber
• PCB soldering / de-soldering station and PCB Inspection System
• DSO, Logic Analyzer , Spectrum Analyzer
• Emulator Probe for different class of Microcontroller and PowerPC 
• Avionics Bus (1553B & ARINC 429) Testing & Monitoring System 
• Video Signal Generator

MCSRDC has taken up the following programs as part of technology development initiatives considering the requirements of future projects:

• C4ISR
  C4ISR would be a fully integrated, responsive, viable, efficient, robust and survivable Indian Command, Control, Computers, Communications, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) System. It is a collection of subsystems that create a comprehensive picture of the environment i.e battle field for the purpose of conducting military and civilian command and control functions. The subsystems are complex System of systems (SOS) where individual systems interact locally and globally to achieve the desired command and control.

• Automatic Target Recognition System
  Automatic target recognition (ATR) system facilitates identification of ground/aerial targets from an Aircraft. This feature works in all-weather condition including day and night. The System takes the input from the onboard sensors, identifies the possible targets and recognizes the identified targets based on the stored target signature database. This system can be deployed on Aircraft/Helicopter/Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAV) for providing intelligent decision making during combat scenarios.

• Mid-Air Collisions Avoidance System for UAVs
  With the advent of net centric warfare scenario, airspace utilization by UAVs is expanding gradually. This calls for Mid-Air collision Avoidance System for UAVs to provide real time Path Planning for optimum navigation, guidance and Control based on onboard sensors.

• UAV based Aerial Surveillance
  The UAV Based Aerial Surveillance is used for tracking ground based stationary or moving targets without any human intervention. This system can be extensively used for border area surveillance. The UAV’s onboard camera captures the ground image and transmits it to ground based station in real time. On board Mission Computer (MC) performs the image processing of the camera image to locate the target based on the target information received from the ground station and computes the guidance parameters needed for UAV to track ground based stationary or moving targets.

• Autonomous Landing of UAV
  Autonomous landing system for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) is a viable solution for landing on stationary or moving platform without any human intervention. This system takes in account the data received from onboard sensors and deck movement profile received from moving platform and performs sensor data fusion to provide optimum navigation, guidance and control command to the UAV for accurate landing.

• Enhanced and Synthetic Vision System (ESVS)
  Synthetic Vision (SV) is a computer-generated image of the external scene, generated using aircraft attitude, high-precision navigation, terrain data, obstacle information, and other required flight information. SV provides significant improvements in terrain awareness and reductions in the Controlled-Flight-Into-Terrain incidents. Enhanced Vision (EV) is an electronic means to provide an enhanced display of the external scene by fusing the output images of multiple sensors. Hence, the advanced system ESVS, combining enhanced and synthetic vision concepts is necessary for all aircraft categories under adverse weather conditions.