Prior to adoption and widespread use of MIL-STD-1760, new store types were added to aircraft using dissimilar, proprietary interfaces.
Weapon stores are typically released only when the aircraft is attacking a target, under command of signals generated by the SMS.
To support weapons applications such as digitized video, and transfers of terrain maps, target images, and program files, Revision E of MIL-STD-1760 includes an option for higher speed data communication.
High-Speed 1760 specifies a gigabit-speed interface based on Fibre Channel, operating at 1.0625 Gbit/s over a pair of 75 ohm coax cables.
The Fibre Channel upper layer protocols for High-Speed 1760 are FC-AE-1553, based on MIL-STD-1553, for command and control messages and file transfers; and FC-AV for video and audio.
Certain stores, typically weapons, may be commanded into modes that can be hazardous if not managed properly, such as the arming of a warhead.
Activation of the Release Consent discrete signal is used to ensure that the store will only accept such a command when it is authorized to do so.
The fiber optic interface is intended for much higher digital communications speeds than can be supported by MIL-STD-1553, such as Fibre Channel, which can operate at gigabaud rates.
The interface will be energized to supply the weapon with electrical power when the air crew determines that hostilities are imminent.