Indoor Test Range Checks JSF Radar Signature

摘要

The test article also will demonstrate the maintainability and repair of the aircraft's stealthy exterior. Boeing is testing a full-scale pole model of its Joint Strike Fighter candidate in its 110 X 200-ft. anechoic chamber here to validate predicted radar cross section and performance of its built-in antennas. The model, officially known as the Supportable Electromagnetics Test Aircraft, is highly representative of the planned aircraft including access doors, antennas, skin thicknesses and drain holes, according to Fred May, director of JSF aircraft development for Boeing. Indeed, the majority of parts critical to its electromagnetic profile were built to flight quality standards, using production shops, processes and materials, he said. These include the aircraft's leading edges, some of which contain embedded antennas. The pole model creation process, which used concurrent, computer-assisted design (CAD) techniques, also helped Boeing improve certain parts and tooling planned for actual production aircraft, he said.