Air Power & multi role fighter Aircraft

Kota Harinarayana

IITB,10-8-15

* War and technology have always been linked very closely.

* Indeed, without technology, there would probably been no war.

* From the first day that technology was introduced to war, it has helped toshape the latter.

* Whereas weapons have always helped to determine tactics,

*Tactics in turn helped determine organization, operations, logistics,commands and control systems.

* Hence the quest for technological superiority is eternal.

* New weapons such as artillery, ships, tanks, submarines, and aircraftschanged the course of war.

WAR & TECHNOLOGY

Among the front ranking weapon systems, Aircraft has the biggest impact on the military operations and outcome of the war. It is now acknowledged world over by all military and strategic thinkers and planners that a war is not winnable unless one has air superiority

AIR POWER

AIR SUPERIORITY & WINNGING THE WAR

• It was during the Second World War, fighter aircraft andbombers were used extensively and they shaped theoutcome of war in many theatres

• In the post-Second World War period, the role of airpowerincreased by leaps and bounds

• It is now acknowledged world over by all military andstrategic thinkers and planners that a war is not winnableunless one has air superiority

• Indeed no nation enjoying air superiority has ever lost awar by the force of enemy arms

Air supremacy is a position in war where one side holds complete control of air warfare and air power over opposing forces. It is defined as the"degree of air superiority wherein the opposing air force is incapable of effective interference

AIR SUPREMACY

Air superiority is the second level, where a side is in a more favorable position than the opponent.

It is defined in the NATO glossary as the "degree of dominance in [an] air battle ...

that permits the conduct of operations by [one side] and its related land, sea and air forces

at a given time and place without prohibitive interference by opposing air forces."[2

]

Air parity is the lowest level of control, where a side only holds control of skies above friendly troop positions

AIR SUPERIORITY & WINNING THE WAR

• In the Gulf War of 1991, the coalition forces led by USAdecimated Iraq by using only Air Power

• In the Kosov campaign, once again the forces led by USAwon using Air Power

• In the Afghan War, USA destroyed Taliban bases using onlyAir Power

• In the Kargil conflict, it was the use of fighter aircraft withprecision guided bombs that forced the adversary towithdraw his forces

• In the recent Libyan war, NATO Air Power played adecisive role

1. Attack Aircraft•An Attack Aircraft/Strike Aircraft is a class of aircraft designedto attack targets on ground and sea.

•The primary difference from bombers is their low service ceiling andgreater accuracy.

•Other roles include close air support for ground operationsand tactical air interdiction.Weapons include Laser Guided Munitions, rockets, anti-tank missilesand automatic canons.

Examples include Fairchild Republic A10 Thunderbolt II( USAF),Sukhoi Su-25 Frogfoot( VVS).

Types of Aircraft

2. Bomber Aircraft•Bomber aircraft are a class of aircraft designated the role of attacking ground/sea targets by dropping bombs or torpedoes on them.•Though recently, they have also been equipped with cruise missiles for increased efficiency.

•Bomber aircraft may be classified as strategic bombers( generally heavy bombers with a long range of operation) or tactical bombers( small, lighter aircraft with shorter operation range operating directly in the theater of war)

•Weapons solely include bombs( LGBs as well as 'dumbs').

•The category of tactical bombers has blurred considerably today due to the development of multi-role aircraft, which are capable of performing several roles.

•Also, bomber aircraft include torpedo bombers, primarily used against sea targets.

•Examples of strategic bombers include the legendary Boeing B-52 Startofortress, Rockwell B-1B Lancer, Lockheed F-111 Nighthawk, Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit, Tupolev Tu-160.

3. Fighter aircraft•Fighter aircraft are a class of airplanes designed for air to air combat

with other aircraft in an offensive or defensive role.

•These aircraft are light, agile, fast and highly maneuverable.

•They may also have secondary ground attack capabilities.

•Fighter aircraft are capable of carrying missiles, rockets and canons.

•They are often classified into three categories, primarily depending on their roles, viz. Air Superiority Fighters( aircraft designed to gain control of enemy airspaceand establish complete air dominance),Interceptors( aircraft designed to quickly scramble and destroy incoming enemy aircraftfrom a long distance) and Fighter Bombers( fighter aircraft with ground attack capabilities.)

•Examples of Air Superiority fighters: Sukhoi Su-30 MKI,Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor, Eurofighter Typhoon

•Examples of Interceptor aircraft: Mikoyan MiG-21 ,Mikoyan MiG-31, Panavia Tornado (ADV).

4. Electronic Warfare Aircraft

•These aircraft are designed to jam and hinder the functioning of enemy radar and communication systems.

•These include General Dynamics EF-111A Raven( a heavily modified version of F-111 Aardvark) and Lockheed EC-130H

5. Airborne Early Warning and Control Systems( AEW&CS)

•These aircraft are airborne radar systems used to detect enemy aircraft and ships at long ranges.

•They also control and co-ordinate air operations in an area.

•These aircraft are crucial for IFF( Identification Friend or Foe).

•They operate at very high altitudes for a long period

•Currently operating AEW&CS are Boeing E-3 Sentry, EL/W-2090 fitted on Ilyushin Il-76 platform.

6. Transport Aircraft

•Military Transport aircraft are used in the logistical role,with the task of transporting of troops and supplies.

•The supplies can also be dropped by parachutes( so can the troops).

•These aircraft also fulfill the roles "aerial tankers", i.e. refueling aircraft mid-airto extend their operating range.

Aircraft have been specifically modified for this role.

•Sometimes they are also used as bomb trucks, i.e. bombs are dropped from their cargo holds. An example - Antonov An-32.

•Some active Transport aircraft are Ilyushin Il-75, Antonov An-124, Boeing c-17 Globemaster, Boeing C-5 Galaxy,c-130,DO-228,HS-748

7. Multi-Role Combat Aircraft

•These are fighter aircraft, capable of switching roles, according to mission requirements.

•The "Swing Role" ability( the ability to quickly switch roles between air-air combat or air-ground strike role in the same mission) is what makes these aircraft versatile.

•This reduces cost, increases effectiveness and enhances interoperability with allied air forces

•Hence, these aircraft are the most used aircraft in any air force in the world.

•Currently serving aircraft are General Dynamics F-16 falcon, Lockheed Martin F/A-18 Hornet, Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-29, Sukhoi Su-30 MKI, Dassault Rafael, SAAB JAS-39 Gripen, LCA-Tejas

8. Trainer Aircraft•Always in the background, but as important as other types of aircraft, trainer aircraft play the role to train pilots.

•Training may be in Basic trainers, Intermediate trainers or Advanced trainers.

•Air forces over the world use double seated trainers.

Evolution of Fighters

* While manned aircraft have played decisive role in the conduct of war there is a definite shift to unmanned aircraft

* Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have experienced exponential growth in the recent history all over the world.

*The dull, dirty and dangerous missions are most suitable for UAVs.

* The size of the aircraft is not constrained by life support elements and size of the persons.

* Over a period, the unmanned airpower can be carried in a back pack with commensurate capabilities

Expanding roles of UAVs

Segment

Definition

Take-off

Wing Span (m)

Mission Max Alt (m)

Max TOW (Kg)

Projects / Products

BLO

S

RemarksRang

e (km)

Endurance (hrs)

International

India

Tactical

Short Range

Catapult

5-10 70-200

3-6 400 Nishant

No Nishant in production

Medium Range

Runway

10+ > 200 6-10 800 Hermes, Hertil, Ranger

Rustom-1

No Rustom-1 in advanced dev

MALE Med Alt Long Endurance

Runway

20 -- > 24 10,000

2500 Predator, Heron

Rustom-2

Yes Rustom-2 in dev at ADE

Mini

Min Hand Launch/Bungee

1-3 5-20 1 hr 4000 (AGL–300)

3.0 Skylark Indian Eagle / Slybird

No Dev completed

VTOL

Vertical TO & landing

Vertical

3+ 2 < 10 6,000 200 Fire scout, Camp Copter 5-100

No* No * No Indian programs yet small vehicles being developed at IIT-K

Strike Lethal Runway

10-20 > 200 20-40 10-20,000

> 1,000 Reaper , Fury

Targets

Short Range for practice of SAM & AA Crew

Catapult/ RATO

1 – 3 < 100

< 1 hr < 10000

100 – 700 Mirach, IRIS, BQM

Lakshya* Abhyas**

No *In service **Advanced dev

Classification of UAVs

Classification of UAVs

Segment DefinitionTake-

off

Wing Span (m)

Mission Max

Alt (m)

Max TOW (Kg)

Projects / Products

BLO

S

RemarksRang

e (km)

Endurance (hrs)

International

India

Micro UAV

Micro Hand Launch

<300 mm (0.3m)

1-2 < 1 2000 (AGL –200)

< 0.5 kg

Dragon fly

Golden Hawk, Black Kite, Pushpak

No NPMICAV program spearing heading technology development

Nano UAV

Nano Hand Launch

< 150 mm (0.19m)

<1 < 0 .5 1000(AGL -100)

<0.150

Humming Bird

DICE NO NPMICAV program spearing heading technology development

Spec

ial U

AVs

UCAV

Unmanned combat air vehicle

Runway

10-15 > 1,500

5-20 hrs

12000 5,000-15,000

Taranis Neuron

* Ghatak yes * Preliminary design

HALE

Conventional

High Altitude, Long Endurance

Runway

~ 25 > 10,000

24-48 hrs

20,000 > 8,000

Global Hawk

No projects

Yes

Solar

Runway

> 25 > 10,000

7-14 days

20,000 ? Preliminary studies

Yes

Airships

? NA -- 7-14 days

15,000 ? Yes TD at ADRDE Agra

AOC

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Get ConnectedShare Information

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No Warrior Fights Alone

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Net Centric Warfare-Information Grid

• Integrated• Interoperable

– Between platforms– Joint operations– Coalition forces

• World wide network• Secure• Owned and leased• Operating locations: bases, posts, camps, stations, facilities, mobile platforms, and

deployed sites

“Will provide the joint and coalition warfighter with a single, end-to-end information system capability… allowing users to access shared data and applications regardless of location, and is supported by a robust network/information-centric infrastructure.”

Supports all Defence, national security, and related intelligence community missions and functions (strategic, operational, tactical, and business), in war and in peace.

The development of requirements for new Fighter Aircraft involves, defining threats, targetsand scenarios for the future. The major activities in the development of a requirement areshown in the figure . Current fighter requirements emphasize the need for close in combatand beyond visual range combat capability to achieve superiority in the air to air role. Highsortie rates and the ability to perform air to surface missions are also primary requirements1.

MISSION REQUIREMENTS AND AIRCRAFT SIZING

Before attempting to discuss the principal issues that must be addressed in defining a fighterrequirement, there must be clear definition of roles and functions of fighter aircraft.

1James L Parker, Mission requirements and Aircraft sizing, AGARD–R–740, 1987, pp 2–1

DEVELOP SCENARIOUS

• MILITARY GOALS• TARGETS• THREATS• AIRBASES• ENVIRONMENT

FORMULATE SYSTEM

CONCEPTS

CONCEPTUAL DESIGN &

AIRCRAFT SIZEING

DESIRED SYSTEM CHARACTERISTICS

EFFECTIVENESS ANALYSIS SYSTEM

CONCEPT COMPARISON

PRELIMINARY REQUIREMENTS

COST EFFECTIVE DATA

ROLES AND MISSIONS OF FIGHTER AIRCRAFT

Fighter Aircraft are deployed for the following roles and missions:

Air to Air – Close Combat– Combat Air Patrol – BVR Combat – Fighter Escort / Fighter Sweep – Interception

Air to Ground – Close Air Support– Interdiction – Deep Strike – Reconnaissance

Air to sea – Anti-shipping

CLOSE COMBATClose Combat has traditionally been the very essence of Fighter Aircraft Design. Close combat issometimes referred as a dog fight because of Twisting turning manoeuvers of the combatants. Figurebelow is a graphical output from a close combat simulation:

The characteristic that is generally thought of as defining a Fighter Aircraft is its ability to manoeuvre to aposition of advantage in aerial combat and succeed in shooting down the opponent. For early fighters,the only armament was gun which was most effective upto 300m, so close combat literally meant withingun range. The addition of IR missile did little to alter the tactics. Even with the IR missile the pilot had tomanoeuvre to 6 ‘O’ clock position before missile was effective. With the introduction of new technologiesin recent years, specially the advent of all aspect missile, fighter aircraft design and tactics are changing.Agility is gaining importance over and above manoeuvrability.

Fig – One vs One, close combat situation

COMBAT AIR PATROL:

This mission consists of an aircraft patrol that is provided over a specific area for thepurpose of intercepting and destroying hostile aircraft or missiles before they reach theirtarget. The CAP objective is to secure air space for use by friendly aircraft. This missionis conducted over friendly territory, over FEBA (Forward Edge of Battle Arena) or beyondFEBA.

An engagement between opposing aircraft may begin at beyond visual range and end indog fight. Typical BVR engagement begins at 40 to 50nm, whereas, close combat starts at3nm. With improvement in reliability of long range missiles, better detection andidentification capability, BVR Combat assumes importance. The manoeuvres in BVRcombat are not as violent as in close combat.

BEYOND VISUAL RANGE COMBAT:

FIGHTER ESCORT / FIGHTER SWEEP:

The Fighter escort mission is the dedication of Fighter Aircraft to protect or defend friendlyground attack aircraft during the mission. Fighter sweep is an offensive mission byFighter Aircraft to seek out and destroy enemy aircraft or targets of opportunity in anallotted area of operation.

CLOSE AIR SUPPORT (CAS) :

The close air support mission involves air action against hostile targets that are in closeproximity to friendly forces and requires detailed integration with fire and movement ofthese forces.

Interdiction missions are designed to destroy, neutralize or delay the enemy’s militarypotential before it can be brought to bear effectively against friendly forces. Thesemissions are conducted away from friendly ground forces and hence integration with thefire and movement of these forces is not required.

INTERDICTION:

DEEP STRIKE:

The counter air operation is conducted either by(a) destroying enemy aircraft in aerial combat(b) by destroying them on ground or(c) Neutralizing their operating bases

Deep strike is launched for neutralizing their operating bases so that enemy aircraft areprevented from being operated from their bases.

BATTLE AREA

AIRBASE DEFENSE

COMBAT AIR PATROL

CLOSE AIRSUPPORT

AIRBASE STRIKE

DEFENSESUPPRESSION

AIRBASEDEFENSE

AIRBASESTRIKE

INTERDICTION

INTERDICTION

SURFACETO AIR

ROLES OF COMBAT AIRCRAFT

Example of an air superiority mission

MISSIONS – FIGHTER REQUIREMENTS – ASSESSMENT OF THREATS

The typical requirements of a Fighter Aircraft are:

– PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS:MISSION PROFILESMANOEUVRABILITY / AGILITYLANDING & TAKE OFF DISTANCES

– OBSERVABLES (RADAR / IR SIGNATURES) – AVIONICS FUNCTIONS AND CAPABILITIES– SUSTAINABILITY:

MEANTIME BETWEEN FAILURES MEANTIME TO REPAIR

– COST:ACQUISITION COST LIFE CYCLE COST

All of the requirements listed contribute to the ability of the fighter to perform its mission.Each of the requirements contribute to the cost of the fighter. Consequently it must beshown that it is needed. A rationale used to arrive at the performance goals is that amargin is needed over the threat to assure success in the mission. Hence, appreciationand assessment of threat is vital.

THE MISSIONS AND THE THREATS

THREAT DEFINITION:

The threats to aircraft have been defined as those elements of man madeenvironment designed to reduce the ability of an aircraft to perform missionrelated function by :

Inflicting damaging effectsForcing undesirable manoeuvres or Degrading system effectiveness

The hostile environment is made up of numerous threat elements. In theprocess of design, it is essential that all the threat elements and their effectsare completely and accurately considered.

THREAT CHARACTERISTICS

Threat types

Types of threat are depicted here:

Non-Terminal

Detection

Identification

Tracking

Communications

Terminal

Propagator

Platform

Projectile

Missile

Radiation

Gun

Surface Launcher

Airborne Interceptor

Dir. EnergyDevice

Small Arms

AAA

SAMS

AAM

Laser

EMP

Particle Beam

In general threat elements are grouped into two types:

NON TERMINAL THREATS:These do not themselves possess capability to inflict damage. These are electronic and /or optical systems used by enemy to support the terminal threat elements. Theseelements normally consist of:

– Detection– Early warning– Target identification– Target Tracking– Electronic Counter–Counter measures (ECCM)– Fire or weapon control– Communication System

They can be land, sea or air based. Normally, they are an integral part of the enemy’soffensive and defensive forces. They supply target position, speed, leading information tothe terminal threat units.

TERMINAL AND NON TERMINAL:

TERMINAL THREAT UNITS:They have the capability to cause damage to an airborne target. They consist of firingplatform and threat propagators.

GUNS:

Range from hand–held small arms to large stationary or transport aircraft, Anti–AircraftArtillery (AAA).

Small arms : 7.62, 12.7, 14.5 and 20mmAAA : 23, 30, 37, 57, 85, 100, 120, 155mm

Eg : ZPU–4, ZU–23, ZSU–23–4 (SHILKA) OF SOVIET ORIGIN

GUIDED MISSILES:

A guided missiles is an aerospace vehicle with varying guidance capabilities, it is selfpropelled through space to inflict damage on a designated target.

Unguided missile is called a rocket.

Two types of missiles pose threat to airborne target:

– Surface to Air Missile (SAM) – Air to Air Missile (AAM)

THREAT PLATFORMS AND PROPOGATORS

SURFACE TO AIR MISSILES

These are launched from land or sea based platforms. These platforms vary in size from asingle hand held launch tube to a complex system containing trailers, vans and launchunits. The system may employ both optical and radar target tracking in conjunction withspecial missile tracking and guidance computers. These missiles in many cases employsophisticated electronic counter–counter schemes to enhance effectiveness.

For most antiaircraft applications, the typical guidance schemes are:

01 Command Guidance

THE MISSIONS, THE THREATS, AND THE EFFECTS

BEAM RIDER GUIDANCEA. SINGLE BEAM BEAM – RIDER MISSILE SYSTEM

B. DUAL–BEAM BEAM–RIDER MISSILE SYSTEM

HOMING GUIDANCEA. ACTIVE HOMING

C. PASSIVE HOMING

B. SEMI–ACTIVE HOMING

Typical examples of Surface to Air Missiles are given below:COMMAND BEAM RIDER HOMING

SEMI - ACTIVE PASSIVESPARTAN SEASLUG SEA SPARROW CHAPARRALSPRINT RBS 70 STANDARD. MR REDEYECROTALE TALOS (+SAH) STANDARD. ER STINGERRAPIER (CLOS) TERRIER (+SAH) TARTAR REDTOPSEAWOLF (CLOS) MASURCA TAN–SAM (R)BLOWPIPE (CLOS) BLOODHOUND SA–7INDIGO ASPIDE SA– 9ROLAND (CLOS) SEADARTPATRIOT (+SAH) SA–6SA–2 (SA–N–2) THUNDERBIRDSA–3 (SA–N–1) HAWKSA–4 (SAH)SA–8 (SA–N–4)

Typical land based and sea based threats are:

Some sea based weapons

Fig shows the mobile SAM / AAA overlapping coverage of mobile surface to air missiles and anti aircraft guns

Fig show the damage process generation for a surface to air missile:

Damage process generation for a surface–to–air missile.

Threat Type Damage Mechanisms Damage Processes

Surface to air missile

(High explosive core, fragmenting case, proximity

fuze incendiary material)

IncendiaryParticles

Fragments, Penetrators

Blast

CombustionPenetration

Ballistic ImpactHydraulic Ram

Dynamic LoadingOver pressure

Weapon systems that produce a beam of electromagnetic radiation withintensity sufficient to damage a target are called DIRECTED HIGH ENERGYWEAPONS (DHEW). These weapons do damage of the target by:

– Melting– Thermally degrading portions of the target– Overloading or blinding the EM & optical sensors

These weapons are three types:

COHERENT ELECTROMAGNETIC FLUX (LASER BEAM)ELECTROMAGNETIC PULSE (EMP)CHARGED NUCLEAR PARTICLES

The weapons are in various stages of development and are likely to be readyfor use in this decade.

DIRECTED ENERGY DEVICES

The Adversary deploys his Fighter Aircraft to prevent friendly aircraft entering his territoryor these aircraft escort the adversary’s ground attack aircraft carryout their missionwithout any hindrance.

The Adversary’s aircraft are equipped with advanced equipment to carryout search,identification, tracking and firing of the weapons. These aircraft also carry equipment thatcan jam the radar and missiles with its ECM/ECCM equipment and flares. These aircraftalso are equipped with advanced air to air missiles in addition to guns and rockets.

Typical air to air missiles are listed below.Missile Guidance Methods , Air to Air

AIR SUPERIORITY FIGHTERS

SEMI – ACTIVE HOMINGFALCONSPARROWSUPER 530SKYLASHASPIDEPHOENIX (+ACTIVE)AA–1 THRU AA–7AA–8 (POSSIBLY)AMRAAMRVV–AEPYTHON–IV

PASSIVE HOMINGSIDEWINDERMAGICSHAFRIRSAAB 327AA–1 THRU AA–8SUPER R530REDTOPFALCONSHRIKE (R)STANDARD ARM (R)HARM (R)R–60R–73 E

Fig shows typical Air Borne Weapons of Russian Origin.

Some airborne weapons

ALL ASPECT AND OFF BORESHIGHT WEAPONS INCREASE FIRING OPPORTUNITIES

TAIL ASPECT WEAPONS ALL ASPECT WEAPONS

ON BORESIGHT WEAPONS OFF BORESHIGHT WEAPONS

SURFACE–TO–AIR MISSILES

Kill Zone(Vertical Plane)

Air–to–Air Requirements are evolving

Uncertainties• Positive All-wx, long range identification• Warning and control in High-density environment

THE NATURE OF AIR COMBAT IS CHANGING…

Before ….. Now …..

• Short – range sensors• Short Range, Limited aspect weapons

• Visual identification• Low Lethality• Simple impact of numbers

• Long – Range Sensors• Long Range identification• Long-Range, all aspect weapons• Improved Lethality of weapons• Multi bogey environment• Complex numbers

THRUST TO WEIGHT RATIO

SUSTAINED TURN RATE0.8 AT 4.5 kms

TURN

RAT

E. D

EG/S

EC

MAXIMUM INSTANTANEOUSTURN RATE AT 4.5 kms

DEGR

EES

/ SEC

SEA LEVEL RATE OF CLIMB

In order to properly develop a survivable design of the aircraft that enables itto effectively conduct its assigned mission, the specific threats to the aircraftmust be determined, as well as the conditions that exist at the time of theencounter. This determination is referred to as the mission threat analysis.

The typical tasks are:

* Define each operational mode required by the specified mission.* List the threats and threat characteristics applicable to the defined

operational modes.* analyze the aircraft operational modes and threats and determine the

encounter conditions.

The required encounter conditions shall be used as a basis for thesurvivability assessment, tradeoff studies before the design is finalised.

MISSION THREAT ANALYSIS:

The combat or mission effectiveness of a particular airborne weapon system on a specific mission isinfluenced by many factors. These factors are associated with threat, the weapon system itself and theoperational environment.

Let us walk through a typical combat mission.

TYPICAL COMBAT / MISSION EFFECTIVENESS

Fig presents a strike scenario in a very general sense showing the full spectrum ofthreats and electromagnetic environment. A typical strike mission could consist of fouraircraft carrying conventional ordnance (4 X 500 lb bombs), antiradiation missiles, andECM pods.

Fig shows a portion of a ground based air defence system typical of those which mightbe deployed in Indian subcontinent. The path shown is that of one aircraft attacking anSA–4 site and an SA–6 site and then exiting the area.

Flight path for a close air support mission

As the aircraft nears FEBA (Forward Edge of the Battle), it drops down into avalley to take advantage of terrain masking. However, a self propelled radardirected AAA system is in the vicinity and detects the aircraft with itsscanning radar. The observer inside the AAA vehicle looks at theapproaching aircraft through an optical tracker and identifies the aircraft asenemy. The AAA radar is than switched to the target tracking mode.Meanwhile the radar warning receiver in the aircraft has detected thescanning signal from AAA radar and alerted the pilot as to the type, locationand status of the threat. The pilot immediately ejects chaff attempts to breakthe lock of the tracking radar by manoeuvering his aircraft. The radarreceiver of AAA sees the chaff and starts to track it rather than the aircraft.

As the Aircraft moves forward avoiding surface to air weapons (AAA, SAMS), encounter between the strikeaircraft and an enemy interceptor carrying an air to air, infrared homing missile occurs.

For the interceptor to detect the strike aircraft, the strike aircraft must be within the range of the onboardsensors (Radar, IR Sensors, visual). Higher the signature of the strike aircraft, greater the chances of beingdetected by the onboard sensors of Interceptor.

In order to place the strike aircraft within the tracking system’s field of view and inside the missiles maximumrange, the interceptor must manoeuvre to come within a certain launch region with respect to strike aircraft.This requires performance capabilities on the part of the interceptor, such as speed, rate and radius of turn,and acquisition of strike aircraft by the crew of the interceptor.

To achieve lock on the IR source of the strike aircraft must be within the tracking systems field of view. Forguidance system of the IR missile to function properly, the IR seeker must be locked on to the proper source,not some other spurious IR source or decoy such as flare.

The interceptor will normally launch the IR missile from a position behind the target aircraft because that iswhere the IR signature is usually most intense.

The missile will home in on the IR radiation emitted and reflected by the strike aircraft. When the missile getsclose enough to the target, the proximity fuse will detonate the warhead. The blast wave and fragments fromthe detonated warhead strike the aircraft.

ENCOUNTER BETWEEN FRIENDLY STRIKE AIRCRAFT AND ENEMY INTERCEPTOR

A study of the scenario reveals that the ability of the aircraft weapon systemto accomplish assigned tasks is dependent upon:

1 Availability of the weapon system for the mission2 Aircraft performance capabilities and handling qualities3 The target acquisition capability4 The type, effectiveness and number of weapons carried5 The command, control and communications and other supporting

system available6 The aircraft signature and counter measures employed7 Tactics used and terrain and weather conditions8 Ability of the aircraft to take a hit and survive

CHARACTERISTICS OF AIRCRAFT WEAPON SYSTEM

ENCOUNTER BETWEEN FRIENDLY STRIKE AIRCRAFT AND ENEMY INTERCEPTOR

Number of systems acquiredReliability of the systemTurnaround time between sortiesSurvivability of the aircraft

PERFORMANCE : Aircraft performance capabilities affect effectiveness significantly typical performance parametres are:

Combat radius Cruise speed Dash speed Manoeuvrability Agility Pay load Loiter

AVAILABILITY : Availability or readiness, influences effectiveness because the morelikely a weapon system is available to send on the mission, the more likely the target willbe killed, all the factors being the same. Availability is affected by:

HANDLING QUALITIES : Undesirable handling qualities affect effectiveness byincreasing the pilot workload and by limiting flight envelope (e.g., Flying ‘close to thedeck’ to avoid detection will be too difficult to accomplish.)

TARGET ACQUISITION : The ability to rapidly acquire the target has a very stronginfluence on effectiveness as it is in this phase that the target has a very strong influenceon effectiveness.

Target acquisition capability depends upon:– Navigation and targeting aids– Visual field of view from the cockpit– Onboard Radar/FLIR– Flight vectoring assistance from airborne platform or ground based

FAC

WEAPONS : The type, effectiveness and number of weapons carried influence weapondelivery tactics and the number of sorties required to kill the target. The more sortiesrequired to get the job done, the more likely the loss of aircraft. Use of fire and forgetweapons can allow the aircraft to quickly exit or remain outside of the threat envelope.

Typical weapons are:Bombs – Freefall, Retarded, Retro penetration, GuidedMissiles – Air to Air, Air to Ground, Air to Sea, Active, Semi active, Passive

type, TV Guided, Laser, IR type

Guns, Rockets–

SUPPORTING SYSTEMS: such as

Command, Communication and Control (C3)Fighter Escorts (FE)Threat Suppression Aircraft Standoff Jamming Aircraft (SOJ) Target Locators / DesignatorsSignal monitoring/missile launch warning aircraft

reduce the susceptibility of the aircraft and increase the likelihood that the aircraft will get to the target and return home.

SIGNATURES AND COUNTER MEASURES: The aircraft signatures and the counter measures influence the probability the aircraft is defeated, tracked and fired upon before it gets to the target to deliver it weapon and influence effectiveness.

Signature : Radar, IR, Visual, AudioCounter Measures : Warning receivers, CMD, Jammers

TACTICS : Tactics can significantly affect the susceptibility of the aircraftTypical tactics are : Low level or nap of earth flight terrain masking Bad weather / night time operation

THE ABOVE CHARACTERISTICS STRONGLY INFLUENCE SUSCEPTIBILITY OF AIRCRAFT

MEASURE OF MISSION SUCCESS (MOMS): MOMS = S * MAM

MAM : Is relative measure of the ability of the aircraft to accomplish itsobjectives in the presence of the threat without the consideration ofthreat effects. (Offensive view of the mission).

S : Survival rate S, defined as the ratio of the number of aircraft thatreturn to the number of aircraft launched. This parameter gives thedefensive view of the mission. The more survivable the aircraft is,closer it is to unity.

If G is mission goal, then number required to accomplish mission is :

G = L * MOMS

Fighters are shaped by

• Threat, Tactics,Technology

• Geo political environment

• Industrial Capacity, Capability

• Goals, Ambitions & ???

THANK YOU

Questions ?