F-18/A Video Relay Controller

The Video Relay Controller (VRC) program was performed for McDonnell Douglas Aerospace (MDA) and was initiated in 1993. Several versions of the VRC were designed and delivered for various models of the F/A-18. The VRC provides video input source selection and operational mode control for the Video Tape Recorder. The unit is controlled by discrete inputs from cockpit-mounted switches and other aircraft subsystems. The VRC was designed to be compliant with stringent attenuation requirements including isolation, bandwidth, and distortion. In addition to the functional requirements specified by MDA, the VRC was designed to be compliant with all aircraft service conditions, e.g., thermal, weight, power, dimensional envelope, mounting, structural, reliability, and maintainability. The VRC die cast enclosure includes features that contain and protect the unit from RF and environmental sources. Automated Test Equipment was designed and built to perform the extensive qualification and acceptance testing that the F/A-18 flight systems require. The units are currently in the process of being redesigned in order to support the new F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. MTI is fully responsible for development, qualification testing, TDP production, and manufacture.