FRCS (Field Replaceable Cable System) Umbilical
FRCS is a simple, patented solution which offers a snag-free release system that can be used repeatedly. FRCS is used on many NATO aircraft. It is a standard component on F-35 and is found on B-1B, F-22, Typhoon, A-10, F/A-18, F-15E, F-16, Tornado, Gripen, the Lynx helicopter and is qualified in the BRU-55 and BRU-57 multi-station launchers. Its introduction resolved issues that arose from the use of lanyard-operated cables on smart weapons. Smart weapons require communication between the aircraft and the store which needs to be severed on release. Lanyard-operated systems suffered catastrophic failures if tension was lost and could reengage and jam. L3Harris’ FRCS proved to be nearly jam proof and, to date, has not failed in operational service.
Cable Retention Unit (CRU)
The CRU compliments FRCS, drawing the freed FRCS back towards the aircraft so that no damage is done by the cable flapping in the airstream.
Weapon Umbilical Reliability Test Set (WURTS)
WURTS provides a go/no go continuity check to resolve MIL-STD-1760 built-in-test (BIT) check failures.
WURTS aids ground crews in diagnosing the source of aircraft BIT check fails by eliminating the umbilical from the equation on the flight line. It improves aircraft mission sortie rate and success by reducing time lost to ground-based equipment failures.
Armament crews can employ the simple-to-use continuity tester to quickly assess the end-to-end functionality of an aircraft’s MIL-STD-1760 weapon umbilical cable. WURTS can test a full MIL-STD-1760 class 1 signal set, including the shell-to-shell shield, for electrical continuity and shorts.
