Engine-Embedded Fuselage’s Emissivity Optimization for IR-Signature Reduction of Low Flying Aircraft

Low flight altitude missions are a threat due to the combat aircraft’s Infrared (IR) Signature Level (IRSL) as seen by ground-based IR-seeker. The bands in which, the aircraft is susceptible to a typical IR-guided Surface-to-Air Missile are 3-5 m and 8-12 m. The rear fuselage skin contributes substantially to the overall aircraft IRSL especially in 8-12 m. The IR lock-on-range (RLO) for an IR-guided missile is computed and the emissivity (fus) optimisation technique of rear fuselage skin for its IRSL camouflage is introduced. Optimization of fus is effective also because IR-suppression is achieved with minimal performance penalties. The effectiveness of this technique in camouflaging the combat aircraft’s rear fuselage skin’s IRSL is demonstrated in 3-5 m and 8-12 m bands. The earthshine reflected off the aircraft’s surface plays a vital role in the effectiveness of this camouflaging technique, especially in 8-12 m band.