Infared Signature Suppression

Suppression of the Infra-red (IR) signature of Special Operations Command (SOCOM) aircraft is a prerequisite for increasing survivability of the aircraft in the threat environment in which these aircraft must function. the primary goal of this program is to minimize the IR signature associated with the engine exhaust of the SOCOM C-130 and to demonstrate the potential of usage ofthe same technology to minimize exhaust signature on other SOCO aircraft. The unique aspects of this proposal are the usage of advanced composite materials and thermal management (TM) technology to minimize the IR signature of the exhaust component and the integration with an existing component design from Lockheed Advanced Development company. Advanced composite materials and TM technology will be used in the redesign of an available advanced functional suppressor component design which is presently made from metal. The proposed study includes: 1) a redesign of the suppressor materials based on the functional requirements and a proven design configuration; 2) a parmetric analytical assessment of the impact of the modifications on the thermal performance and IR signature of the modifications on the thermal performance and IR signature of the component and aircraft; 3) an assessment of the fabricability, maintainability and reliability of the design; and 4) the assembly of a technology development plan.