Aircraft Survivability

Introduction, anti-aircraft systems and survivability - An introduction to the aerial threat environment and the key responses to threats. This will include an overview of military threats and the key operational and technical challenges.

Threats to aerial systems

• Missiles and smart munitions - An introduction to the threats posed by guided weapons including man portable air defence systems (MANPADS), ship and ground launched guided missiles, and radar-controlled guns
• Terminal ballistics - Introduction to terminal ballistics covering the key mechanisms of penetration and damage produced by high velocity projectiles including fragments and bullets
• Electromagnetic threats - Potential threats to aircraft from RF energy and directed energy weapons including laser dazzle, RFI and EMC aspects of vulnerability.

Avoiding the threat

• Stealth - Technology for the reduction of electromagnetic signature (radar thermal, etc.) including design and materials issues
• Sensors and threat detection - Sensor systems for threat detection and avoidance including enhanced situational awareness, battlefield id (IFF)
• Defensive aides suites - Missile countermeasures; missile counter-countermeasures; missile approach warners; systems (DIRCM).

Resisting the threat

• Vulnerability assessment - Tools and techniques for assessment of aircraft vulnerability, including modelling analysis and optimisation processes
• Escape systems - Aircraft escape systems including ejector systems, rapid exit creation (MDC etc.)
• Systems redundancy - Systems design against damage and degradation. This would include redundancy and reversion modes, and the role played by software in reconfiguring aircraft systems in response to attack
• Structural survivability - The effect of damage on structural integrity and preservation of airworthiness including redundant load paths and damage tolerance
• Lightweight armour systems - Lightweight armour systems including composites and spaced armour applications. To absorb or not to absorb? Armour systems versus structural systems.