BERING’S OPTIPAC-3 8631AF-BDL APPROVED AS DISK STORAGE REPLACEMENT TO U.S.A.F. FOR THE F-16 AIS PROGRAM.

Campbell, CA—January 27, 2005—The OptiPac-3 8631AF-BDL from Bering Technology, Inc. has been approved by the Air Logistic Command (ALC) at Hill AFB, UT as a replacement storage unit in the F-16’s Advanced Computer AIS test system. The removable disk storage unit replaces the decades-old HP7907A removable disk drives on the HP1000A computer system that has been the computer backbone of the F-16’s AVIONICS INTERMEDIATE SHOP program which tests Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) of the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

Product Profile

Bering’s OptiPac-3, 8631AF disk drive unit (DDU) is a removable hard drive (RHD) and MO disk drive (MODD) with HP-IB interface. The 8631AF was developed as an alternative disk drive for Bering’s OptiPac-3, 8602AF DDU with dual MODD, originally designated as a replacement for the HP7907 on the AIS test systems and in use for over two years. Both DDU models emulate the HP7907A disk drive volume size of 20MB.

OptiPac-3 8631AF Development

In response to input from users, Bering developed a new model, the 8631AF that would retain the HP7907 emulation but would enable users to expand their capacity and improve reliability and performance. To do this, Bering replaced one of the 8602AF's MODD with a RHD with a 200MB storage capacity. The RHD provides high-speed hard disk performance and reliability combined with drive removability. The RHD disk module can be ejected from the system and stored away for security.

With the inclusion of the RHD, Bering was able to increase available capacity on the AIS systems. This was accomplished by creating RING volumes of 20MB each that emulates the original HP7907 disk drive. The DDU must retain this emulation capacity in order to support the AIS software. In the 8631AF configuration, the RHD includes 10 RINGS and the MODD has 10 RINGS. One RING on the RHD is designated as “H00” and represents the fixed disk of the HP7907. The other 9 RINGS emulate the HP7907’s removable cartridge drive. The MODD functions as a secondary storage device within the system and supports 10 RINGS that are designated also as HP7907 removable drives.

8631AF Benefits

1)		RHD plus MODD.
		The RHD has a formatted capacity of 200MB and provides high speed performance and hard disk reliability for use as the AIS’s primary system disk. The MODD functions as the secondary storage device and serves as the system’s archival and backup device. Both the RHD and MODD are removable for easy classified and archival storage
2)		Multiple RING Volumes.
		The 20MB RINGS emulate the original HP7907A disk drive. There are a total of 20 RING volumes with 1 RING on the RHD designated as the HP7907 fixed drive, 9 RINGS on the RHD designated as HP7907 removable cartridge volumes, and 10 RINGS on the MODD designated as HP7907 removable cartridge volumes.
3)		The 8631AF has on-board disk utilities that can be controlled to configure the drives, set addresses, perform basic diagnostics, get DDU system information, and do off-line “Disk-to-Disk” and “Disk-to-RING” copy functions and backup. The utilities are controlled via front panel buttons with LCD.

8631AF-UPG Upgrade Kit

Bering has created a field upgrade kit for users with the original 8602AF DDU. The upgrade kit includes a RHD mounted on a drive plate, hardware, firmware, upgrade instructions, and users manual. The basic procedure is for the user to remove the DDU top cover, remove the 2 MODD with mounting plate, remove one MODD and mount it on the available spot on the new mounting plate with RHD, install and connect the drives, and update the firmware.

8631AF-BDL—DDU + Rackmount Bundle

It is recommended that users should order the 8631AF-BDL that includes a 19” standard rackmount. The 8631AF and rackmount are shipped bundled in a single container. A National Stock Number has been set-up for this item. Users should order using Bering’s part number 01-18631-20, NSN 7025-01-524-5366.

Spare 30GB RHD Module

Users can order a spare 30GB RHD module. Reference ACCS-3072, Spare 30GB RHD Module, pre-formatted, p/n: 01-20021-01 when placing orders.

Federal Supply Contract

Bering has a GSA supply contract with the U.S. government. The company’s Federal Supply Contract number is GS-35F-5378H, FSS Schedule 70, Special Item Number 132-8. Both the 8631AF-BDL and the 8602AF-BDL can be purchased via a federal BPA, SP0500-03-D-0285.

The BPA with the Air Force helps to fill a recurring supply of the OptiPac-3 storage unit and save on administrative time and effort. The BPA is established in accordance with the terms and conditions of Bering’s GSA Contract GS-35F-5378H, FSS Schedule 70, Special Item Number 132-8, Purchase of Hardware. The NSN for the OptiPac-3 8602-BDL with Rackmount Kit is 7045-01-492-5817. Contracting Officers of the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia are authorized to place orders under this BPA.

Summary

Both 8602AF and 8631AF models have been tested and approved by the Air Force to replace the HP7907 disk drive in the AIS test systems. However, the 8631AF delivers faster performance, higher capacity, and hard disk reliability. Users seeking to replace the HP7907 disk drive should consider the 8631AF DDU. Users with the 8602AF DDU should consider the 8631AF-UPG to upgrade their system.

Bering Technology, Inc. is a privately held company located in Campbell, CA U.S.A. The company has specialized in designing and manufacturing storage technology products for the Hewlett-Packard computer systems since 1981.

For technical and pricing inquiries, contact Jay Franz at 408.364.6500, ext. 103 or email to jfranz@bering.com.

8631AF-BDL Links

Datasheet:		8631AF
Users Manual:		8631AF User's Manual
Upgrade Kit:		8631AF Upgrade Procedure