A Review of Selected Elements of the FY73 Programs on Test and Evaluation of Aircraft Survivability (TEAS). Volume 2. Appendix A: bibliography for Vulnerability and Survivability of Military Aircraft,

Aircraft infrared signature is one of the most important properties for the military aircraft survivability. In terms of military aircraft, the exhaust system is the most significant infrared radiation source. The exhaust system accounts for more than 90% of the aircraft infrared radiation, and that the exhaust nozzle contributes the most significant infrared radiation of the whole radiation energy provided by the exhaust system from the rear aspect. Low detectionable feature for military aircraft has attracted more importance to promote aircraft survivability via reducing infrared signature. The alteration of nozzle exit area affects an aircraft engine performance; meanwhile, it severely influences the engine infrared signature radiation from the rear side. The present paper is mainly focused on searching an appropriate group of nozzle exit diameter and throat to exit diameter ratio, which can reduce infrared signature radiation while cutting down the loss of thrust. Hence, objectives involve two aspects: one is minimum infrared signature level, and the other is minimum thrust loss. The multi-objective evolutionary algorithm based on decomposition has been employed to solve this bi-objective optimization problem. The optimization results illustrate that dimension selection range and throat to exit diameter ratio exert more important effect on the thrust loss and infrared signature level. Furthermore, the thrust plays significant role for deciding nozzle exit diameter and throat diameter.

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A question of survival – military aircraft vs the electromagnetic environment

The Aeronautical Journal ◽

10.1017/s0001924000000270 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 108 (1087) ◽

pp. 453-464 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

M. Pywell

Keyword(s):

Best Practice ◽

Lightning Strike ◽

Military Aircraft ◽

Electromagnetic Environment ◽

Radio Communications ◽

Weapon Systems ◽

Mission Success ◽

Directed Energy ◽

Aircraft Survivability ◽

Related Paper

Abstract Military aircraft, by definition, need to survive the onslaught of opposing forces to successfully complete their mission. From an aircraft perspective, the electromagnetic (EM) environment can be an enabler, via the use of navigation aids, radar, radio communications etc. – in fact mission success depends on its successful use. However, this environment is also potentially a disabler, as threat weapon systems and the environment itself can harm or destroy the aircraft. This paper discusses risks and hazards thus posed to aircraft survivability, partitioned into two classes – ‘direct’ and ‘indirect’ EM threats. ‘Direct’ threats are those that occur as a result of direct coupling of EM energy to the airframe and systems within, e.g. lightning strike and directed energy weapons. ‘Indirect’ threats are those that utilise EM sensors to detect, track and target the aircraft, e.g. radar-guided surface-to-air missiles. Airframe intrinsic mechanical vulnerability is also an important part of survivability, although not addressed in this EM-related paper. It is shown that risk and hazard can be minimised by gaining a thorough understanding of operational scenarios, developing holistic system-of-systems solutions to military requirements, and using best practice design and development techniques.

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