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As a result of operator requests, beginning in 1999 loadable software will be listed in the IPC according to the loadable software part number and will be called out in the chapter corresponding to each loadable system. The standard media parts are 3.5-in disks, but software for some systems is supplied on other media, such as on CD-ROM. The media parts are labeled to indicate how many parts are in the set, and to identify the designation of each member in a set (for example, 1 of 2, 2 of 2). Represent one media part or a set of two or more media parts. The part number of a software program or file is distinct both from the part number for the media set and the part number for the hardware LRU. To order a loadable LRU with the software preloaded, the operator must order both the software and hardware part numbers and stipulate that the software is to be loaded into the LRU. Hardware part numbers listed in the illustrated parts catalog (IPC) refer to the physical component only, with no software loaded. Procure Loadable Software Parts And Loadable LRUsĪ loadable software part is identified by a unique part number, distinct from the part number of the hardware component (the LRU) or components in which the software is loaded. Verify conformity of loadable software part configurations to airplane certification documentation.Preload loadable software parts into loadable LRUs off the airplane.Procure loadable software parts and loadable LRUs.To operate and maintain an airplane that contains software loadable systems, operators first must implement several procedures to accomplish the following: Mass storage devices are also used by some optional systems on the 777 but are not yet available on other models. This mass storage device also stores spare copies of the loadable software parts for systems that can be loaded from the MAT. The 777 maintenance access terminal (MAT) includes a mass storage device as standard equipment. These media parts are located in a binder stored on board the airplane. Spare copies of the loadable software parts are supplied on digital storage media (typically 3.5-in disks) when an airplane is delivered. For all loadable systems, the software parts installed as part of the system are identified electronically a placard is not required on an LRU to identify what software parts are loaded in that LRU. The appropriate equipment used to load an LRU depends on the system. Industry-available shop loaders, supplier-unique shop loaders, or supplier automated test equipment.Ī few systems can be onboard-loaded by inserting the medium into the LRU itself.
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Software can be loaded using a permanently installed onboard loader, a portable onboard loader, Software can be transferred into a software-loadable LRU using various equipment. A loadable system is different because it consists of loadable software parts and loadable (hardware) LRUs that are independently configured at the airplane level. Many systems comprise hardware and software components. For example, loading the 747-400 integrated display units (IDU) requires 15 min each, for a total of 90 min, if each IDU is loaded successfully on the first attempt. The total time required to configure a complete system can be significant. However, both Boeing and operators have found it cost effective to preload the LRUs for some systems before installation on the airplane.
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(See sidebar for related information on Douglas-designed commercial airplanes.) A major advantage of changing system functionality without changing hardware is the reduced number of line replaceable unit (LRU) spares both operators and Boeing must keep in stock. In addition, software often can be loaded just in the time required to turn an airplane around for the next flight. Benefits include the ability to meet new requirements, incorporate design improvements, and correct errors. This feature allows operators to change the configuration of loadable systems without physically modifying or replacing hardware components.
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Modifying system functionality with new software instead of with modified or new hardware can help operators reduce the total number of hardware line replaceable units (LRU) in inventory, increase hardware commonality, and reduce airplane modification time.Īirplane systems that can be modified with loadable software are standard on several later-model Boeing airplanes (see table 1). Many newer airplanes, such as the Boeing 737-600/-700/-800/-900, 747-400, 767, and 777, feature loadable systems whose functionality may be changed or updated using onboard loadable software.
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