Broadband LO NDE Sensor Technology (BLONDE)

The proposed R&D will develop a hand-held tool for real-time broadband nondestructive evaluation of low observable materials and structures on the flight-line. The unique principle of operation has already been demonstrated in our IR&D program and iswell-suited for this type of measurement. The system is easy to operate. It detects and locates damage, and quantifies electromagnetic materials properties over the 2 - 18 GHz frequency range. A bench-top prototype tool will be developed and demonstratedIn Phase I . In Phase II, we will field a system that can be evaluated for its fidelity in measurements, repeatability, and accuracy on real LO aircraft. The proposed approach has high probability of success because of METRATEK's strong history of successful innovation in RCS measurement technology and because we have already laid the groundwork for success by verifying the unique principle of operation ofthis device.The proposed system fills a major USAF need for a hand-held tool to provide rapid assessment of the stealth qualities of on-aircraft materials. The tool that we will develop provides a major increase in stealth aircraft availability by avoidingunnecessary repairs, and increases survivability by assessing potential detectability problems before mission assignment and/or take-off. The concept associated with this tool can be exploited for commercial applications such as vehicular radar sensors, intrusion alarms, assembly line parts inspection systems, and fuel tank and pipeline internal inspection systems.