FIELD MANUAL NO. 44-85 - PATRIOT BATTALION AND BATTERY OPERATIONS
The computer within the Patriot system (see Figure B-6, next page) is a 24-bit parallel militarized computer with fixed and floating point capability. The WCC is organized in a multi-processor configuration which operates at a maximum clock rate of 6 megahertz.
The WCC provides the necessary data processing for the Patriot FU, including capability for communications with other FUs or battalions through a routing logic radio interface unit (RLRIU). The major subsystems within the computer system are the: Central processing unit (CPU). Input/output control unit (IOCU). Monolithic memory unit (MMU). Peripheral control unit (PCU). The WCC configuration consists of two CPUs, one IOCU, and 512K of main memory.
The WCC CPU exhibits abroad variety of instructions and addressing modes as well as processing power. Each CPU has a maximum computational capability of one million ads per second (MAPS), permitting a dual central processing unit multiprocessor configuration to exhibit a two-MAPS capability.
The IOCU controls and communicates with all external interfacing subsystems. All data in the memory is accessible by the IOCU at a one word per microsecond rate.
The building blocks of the WCC memory system are two monolithic memory drawers which contain plug-in medium scale integration modules. Memory blocks of 32K may be added or removed from each drawer. Maximum memory storage is eight blocks of 32K per drawer (256K) or 512K per system.
The PCU is used to interconnect the hard copy unit (HCU), the recovery storage unit (RSU), the mass storage unit (MSU), and the computer maintenance panel (CMP) with the computer.
The WCC peripherals which are controlled by the PCU consist of the following:
The HCU provides printouts of selected tabular displays, fault detection and assessment data, and communications messages received by the FU. Printout is initiated by the operator pressing the hardcopy key on the keyboard.
The RSU is a high-speed dual tape drive used for loading computer programs into the WCC memory. Initialization programs, operating programs, diagnostic programs, and data may be loaded via tape cassettes. The RSU is also used to restore the complete contents of the computer memory in case of EMP or other electromagnetic transient which may garble or erase any portion of that content. Following initialization, the tape in the RSU will contain a duplicate set of the program and particular site data as stored in the computer memory.
Four tape transporters and associated interface electronics comprise an MSU. The MSU is used for loading computer programs into the WCC memory and is also used to store the operational maintenance procedures and the troop proficiency trainer (TPT) scenarios.
The CMP is used for manual testing of the WCC. The switches on this panel setup, select, and control computer tests. Panel indicators show data register contents. The computer maintenance panel indicators also monitor WCC power supply, data parity, and clock functions.
A number of WCC programs direct the operation of the Patriot FU equipment. The following paragraphs group the programs according to functions.
This group of programs performs the functions of loading all necessary data into the WCC and other special purpose computers in the RS, collecting and storing site-peculiar data (such as radar orientation coverage boundaries, horizon map, and masked regions), establishing equipment operability, and loading the system operational programs. The system is capable of rapid reinitialization in the event of an EMP occurrence (which could destroy data within the digital computers) or when the system has been down for repair. The RSU provides this capability using the recovery data tape.
System operation of WCC programs provide centralized real-time control of all elements of the fire unit. The following discrete functions are included:
- Control, action-by-action, of the RS in performance of search; target track; identification, friend or foe (IFF); missile acquisition; and track, midcourse, and terminal guidance commands.
- Selection and processing of data for display to the operators and implementation of operator inputs via the display and control subsystem.
- Selection of LS and communications to the LS of missile initial turn parameters and missile launch commands.
- Communications, via digital communications equipment, with higher echelon and adjacent Patriot elements.
- Status monitoring functions to detect failures within and determine the operational status of all elements of the FU.
These operational programs also evaluate all target track and environment data to determine which targets are hostile and threatening and in what order the system should engage them for maximum effectiveness. Results of this evaluation are presented to the operators. Depending on the mode of operation, the system will either automatically execute the engagements or wait for the operator to command engage. The operator can override any automatic engagement decision.
This group of programs provides for rapid location of failed components and a check for proper operation after repair. The operator selects and loads the program based on information obtained from the status monitoring function. The fault isolation display-aided procedures called up by the operator will display the step-by-step repair procedures to permit the operator to isolate the problem.
Proficiency training is provided by a set of programs which, with associated scenario tapes, constitute the troop proficiency trainer, terrain map trainer, and on-line training mode.