Open Mission Systems/ OMS

Definition

Open Mission Systems is a non-proprietary, government-owned set of message and service definitions used to integrate sensors, weapons, communications, and autonomy components on Air Force aircraft and uncrewed platforms. OMS defines a publish-subscribe message bus, common data models, and a service contract that lets vendors plug capabilities into an aircraft's mission computer without bespoke integration. OMS is paired with UCI for off-board command and control and is one of the principal interface standards called out in Collaborative Combat Aircraft solicitations.

Reference attributes

Steward

Air Force Life Cycle Management Center

Pattern

Publish-subscribe service bus

Pairs with

UCI (off-board), FACE (software portability)

Typical use

Onboard mission computer integration

Related terms

• Universal Command and Control Interface (UCI)
  Government-owned C2 messaging standard for off-board control of air and space assets.
• Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA)
  U.S. DoD acquisition mandate requiring open architectures and standardized, replaceable modules.
• Future Airborne Capability Environment (FACE)
  Open standard for portable airborne software components running on a common operating environment.