Implementation of computing standards
The F-16 avionics implements what is likely the broadest application of standards of any USAF weapon system. Standards available in 1976 were applied which consisted of the MIL-STD-1553 Multiplex Data Bus, JOVIAL J3B which was the defacto software hol and precursor to JOVIAL J73 dialect and the MIL-STD-490 software documentation standard. These standards were instrumental in making the F-16 a very successful program. The F-16 avionic system is now being greatly expanded to accommodate advanced sensors and weapons currently in USAF funded development. Once again the F-16 is at the forefront in implementing the latest USAF standards. A key feature of the enhanced avionics is the application of JOVIAL J73 (MIL-STD-1589B) for all subsystems, the MIL-STD-1553B Multiplex Data Bus, the MIL-STD-1750A Computer Instruction Set Architecture, and the MIL-STD-1760 Stores Interface. Both the implementation of standards in the current F-16 avionics and also in the enhanced F-16 avionics now in development are described.