T-38 Forward Windshield Development and Performance Demonstration Report.

摘要

According to Air Force information, approximately 500 bird strikes occur each year in Air Training Command (ATC) with over half of these on the T-38. The current windscreen provides some protection at the slower speeds flown during the final phases of the T-38 landing pattern. However, during climbs, cruise, and descents below 10,000-feet the T-38 is normally flown at speeds of 240-to-300 knots which presents a bird strike hazard by larger birds to the pilots. The T-38 low level missions are of particular concern because they are flown at speeds of up to 420-knots. Based on training requirements, the altitude for T-38 low-level missions has decreased to 500-feet above ground level along with increasing the number of sorties required. Although the Air Force plans student load reductions, the relative number of high-speed, low-level navigation sorties will increase.