Multifunctional Keypad (MFK)

The equipment in an aircraft are automatically controlled by a central computer, known as the Mission Computer (MC).
The MC interacts with the other avionics equipment through three MIL-STD-1553 communication buses. Multi Function Keyboard (MFK) is one such equipment. It is used to communicate with the pilot about the status of various equipment and the navigation.
The MFK has, at its heart, a MOTOROLA 68000 series processor with ROM, RAM and EEPROM memory to carry out its task. The MFK is the pilot interface for all communications with MC or other equipment through MC. It is connected to one of the 1553 buses, used by MC for data communication. It is also connected to the Multi Function Rotary switch (MFR) through a RS422 interface.
The MFK has a built-in display unit and a keyboard. The display unit is LCD based. The keyboard has provisions to enter alphabetic and numeric values. There are a number of control buttons to facilitate the pilot communication with MC.
The software has been developed as a real time, embedded application. The development platform includes the C Language, pSOS real-time kernel, and the 68000 series Assembly Language. Teamwork Case Tool was used during system analysis. It was also used for the preparation Software Requirement Specification.
The MFK software provides various functionalities to assist effective communication with MC. These messages are handled by MFK in the following three different modes of operations.

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-Initialisation phase (Init)

-Operations Flight Program (OFP)

-Flight Line Maintenance (FLM)

The software is capable of receiving the page information from MC in binary format and validate them. Upon valid information, it converts them into pilot readable alphabetic and numeric values before displaying the page on the screen. The software can also process page requests from the pilot and send that message to MC to get the details for a new page.
The software allows the pilot to modify the flight parameters, validates the pilot input and sends them to MC for effecting the changes. The pilot can request the MC to send the status of other avionics equipment. Also, those equipment can be turned ON or OFF by the pilot depending on the need.
The system is capable of storing the data for waypoint library and airfield library. The data is sent from Mission Preparation and Retrieval Unit (MPRU). The system sends the results of the data loading to MPRU. The pilot can browse or change the waypoint library. The system also provides the ability to maintain alternate waypoints to enable the pilot to complete the mission.
The software is responsible for handling the time management functions of the MFR. It manages the real time display and the stop watch functions.
The software also has the following management functions:

-Identification

-CCU communication.

-Built-in tests

During identification, MFK sends the hardware and software version number to MC. The software sends all its MC messages to Coding and Control Unit (CCU) also. This enables the CCU to take charge of the system, in case the MC fails for some reasons. The software comes with a built-in test feature to ensure its proper functioning.
The development has followed the MIL-STD-2167 standards in all its phases, such as design, development and testing.

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HOTAS:

HOTAS an abbreviation for Hands On Throttle-And-Stick, is the name given to the concept of placing buttons and switches on the throttle stick and flight control stick in an aircraft’s cockpit, allowing the pilot to access vital cockpit functions and fly the aircraft without having to remove his hands from the throttle and flight controls. Application of the concept was pioneered with the Ferranti AIRPASS radar and gunsight control system used by the English Electric Lightning^[1] and is widely used on all modern fighter aircraft such as the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

HOTAS is a shorthand term which refers to the pattern of controls in the modern fighter aircraft cockpit. Having all switches on the stick and throttle allows the pilot to keep his “hands on throttle-and-stick”, thus allowing him to remain focused on more important duties than looking for controls in the cockpit. The goal is to improve the pilot’s situational awareness, his ability to manipulate switch and button controls in turbulence, under stress, or during high G-force maneuvers, to improve his reaction time, to minimize instances when he must remove his hands from one or the other of the aircraft’s controls to use another aircraft system, and total time spent doing so.

The concept has also been applied to the steering wheels of modern open-wheel racecars, like those used in Formula One and the Indy Racing League. HOTAS has been adapted for game controllers used for flight simulators (most such controllers are based on the F-16 Fighting Falcon‘s) and in cars equipped with radio controls on the steering wheel. In the modern military aircraft cockpit the HOTAS concept is sometimes enhanced by the use of Direct Voice Input to produce the so-called “V-TAS” concept, and augmented with helmet mounted display systems such as the “Schlem” used in the MiG-29 and Su-27, which allow the pilot to control various systems using his line of sight, and to guide missiles by simply looking at the target.