Affordable RCS Reduction for the T-38

The Air Force has a requirement for a reduced signature airborne vehicle. Significant savings in time and cost would accrue if a manned aircraft could be used to simulate cruise missile fly-bys during radar system evaluations. This effort will define signature modifications for an AT-38 aircraft so that it will look like a cruise missile in the forward aspect regions. The viability of the program rests on how creatively the vehicle can be modified to the required levels - without significantly impacting flying qualities - without necessitating a major flight qualification program - without inducing major maintenance operations, and - without incurring retrofit costs beyond the funding limits of a Phase II SBIR. In this program MRC will 1) define requirements for a reduced signature AT-38 aircraft, 2) define modifications for major scatterers during preliminary design, 3) perform computer analyses of the vehicle system and major scatterers, 4) complete final designs of all modifications planned for Phase II, 5) perform an impact assessment relative to flight safety and system performance, 6) develop and deliver a final report documenting the results of the work done and recommendations for Phase II.