The Common Interface Computer (CIC) used on the KC-135 is over 10 years old. Certifying a new computer takes over 1.5 years. A new computer package has been certified (CF-31 ruggedized laptop) is ready for deployment. Availability of the new CF-31 computer will cease in January 2016 as a newer version will be produced - and the certification process will begin again. The old Common Interface Computer (CF-28 and CF-29 ruggedized laptop) are no longer available and spare parts for the older Windows 2000 based system are unsupportable.
- All KC-135 units require the CIC to upload aircraft software to the Fuel Management Advisory Computer, Flight Data Recorder,
ARC-210 Control Panel, ARC-190, DADCs, Airspeed Indicators, and the Color Weather Radar.
- CIC is used to view downloaded FDR/CVR files.
- CIC is used to clear Hard Landing Faults and other aircraft exceedances.
- Every State with a KC-135 Guard Unit requires this item.
- Cost per CIC (computer, interface cables, external drives, Ghost Image DVD, & Case) is $7K each with a 6 month lead time.
- Item Manager needs funding prior to ordering
- CIC - CF-31 (Windows 7 based) will only be available until January 2016, after that, a new computer will be selected for the
1.5 year certification process.
- Guard and Reserve Units require a minimum of 3 each. (2 for daily use, 1 for deployments).
- The new CF31 CIC is the only computer being tested with the new Large Aircraft Infrared Counter Measures System (LAIRCM)
- Due to its higher computing power, it will be the only computer authorized for use with the KC-135 LAIRCM aircraft.
-The Common Interface Computer Modernization Program (CF-31 ruggedized laptop) used on the KC-135 is ready for deployment. The old Common Interface Computers (CF-28 and CF-29 ruggedized laptops) are no longer available for purchase and no parts are