British submarines now running on windows

[Corny]

SMCS NG transfers the software applications proven on earlier variants of SMCS to a modern system architecture that uses mainstream PCs to provide the computer processing with Microsoft Windows as the software operating system. The design includes an Ethernet Local Area Network (LAN) and new multi-function consoles with two large LCD screens; it draws heavily on developments made by BAE Systems for the combat management systems for the Astute class submarine and the Type 45 destroyer.

http://www.baesystems.com/Newsroom/NewsReleases/autoGen_108111514515.html

Immediately reminded me of this story: http://catless.ncl.ac.uk/Risks/19.88.html#subj1

The Navy's Smart Ship technology is being considered a success, because it has resulted in reduced manpower, workloads, maintenance and costs for sailors aboard the Aegis missile cruiser USS Yorktown. However, in September 1997, the Yorktown suffered a systems failure during maneuvers off the coast of Cape Charles, VA., apparently as a result of the failure to prevent a divide by zero in a Windows NT application. The zero seems to have been an erroneous data item that was manually entered. Atlantic Fleet officials said the ship was dead in the water for about 2 hours and 45 minutes. A previous loss of propulsion occurred on 2 May 1997, also due to software. Other system collapses are also indicated

This of course invites for a LOT of stupid jokes. I for one wonder if they will be allowed to play minesweeper

 

[star-warrior]

Oh, shit!

I hope they've upgraded to Win 95 at the very least.

 

[Persian89]

The question is, would using *nix be better?
I mean it would be cheaper yes, but atleast they had to have some guy running around and tweaking every setting for like a week until it works as intended.

 

[Corny]

Actually they installed windows to save money. They save now 0.01% of their budget.

And I'd happily fiddle and tweak a system a week long if it runs forever without any errors afterwards. Actually for nuclear sub I would expect them to put a lot more time into it.

 

[evilest]

Oh Sweet Baby J that's a scary prospect. Imagine an accidental firing because windows expolits fucked the sub.

 

[Corny]

But maybe they have different options ..

"The tactical application has encountered and error and was terminated. Would you like to send an error report to Microsoft?

Yes, by rocket please | No, we're screwed anyway"

 

[Corny]

Oh someone just showed me this - it is supposed to be from the window server EULA:

not designed, manufactured, or intended for use or resale as on-line
control equipment in hazardous environments requiring fail-safe
performance, such as in the operation of nuclear facilities, aircraft
navigation or communication systems, air traffic control, direct life
support machines, or weapons systems..

Well at least finally we have submarines that can crash! No need to be envious at the airplanes which can sink and crash since forever. Now if that isn't the future.


Oh oh oh ... one more. I wonder what happens if someone not that tech savy is calling support and they ask him to open a window we all know those people do exist!

 

[Corny]

I suspected that it was totally made up - but had no windows eula to check
But since java was part of err .. windows nt (i believe .. win 9x had that ms java vm, right?) it possibly is somewhere in the eulas that you get with windows. anyway .. i have no stupid windows - submarine joke to add this time.

 

[Corny]

But if I had googled that, it would have ruined the fun so i just added the disclaimer

 

[goldenmunkey]

I really want to know how a LAN network would work underwater on a sub...

I dont expect 2 subs to be tethered by a network cable...

 

[davy]

I wonder how long it'll be until they have a k19 situation of their own because of this really bad idead.

A lot of innocent kids died because the russian admiralty didn't want to change with the times and now it appears the british admiralty is doing the same.

 

[Corny]

I really want to know how a LAN network would work underwater on a sub...

I dont expect 2 subs to be tethered by a network cable...

I think the LAN was just internal between multiple machines on the sub.
On the other hand .. do they really need more than one?

Maybe they are modulating a binary signal onto the sonar, you know it's only logical that they use some kind of WAVElan

 

[looseliam]

I can see it now..

"Launch tubes 1 through 3 at the target corporal."
"Yes sir!"
He clicks the launch button and a little animated tomahawk cruise missle shows up 'It looks as though you're trying to destroy a ship. Do you need help in completeing this task?"
corporal clicks on no and begins to target.
animated missile comes back "Microsoft's Missile Launch assistant can automatically enter targeting information for you. Would you like to turn on this feature?"
Corporal feverishly clicks on "NO"

Snap shot two and four!

Sorry, no corporals in the navy.

PO3, perhaps.

 

[goldenmunkey]

I imagine that they would have to reboot the computer every five seconds when someone accidentally activates Sticky Keys...

Sorry, the warning message confuses me to no end!

 

[jackry]

I worked on a ship that had a radar that was run by windows 2000. It was a kinda pain in the ass radar and slower then crap but, rarely crashed.