Viewing electromagnetic scattering characteristics on air-brake of a stealth plane

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to learn the dynamic radar cross-section (RCS) of a deflection air brake.

Design/methodology/approach

The aircraft model with delta wing, V-shaped tail and blended wing body is designed, and high-precision unstructured grid technology is used to deal with the surface of air brake and fuselage. The calculation method based on multiple tracking and dynamic scattering is presented to calculate RCS.

Findings

The fuselage has a low scattering level, and the opening air brake will bring obvious dynamic RCS effects to itself and the whole machine. The average indicator of air brake RCS can be lower than –0.6 dBm² under the tail azimuth, while that of forward and lateral direction is lower. The mean RCS of fuselage is obviously higher than that of air brake, while the deflected air brake and its cabin can still provide strong scattering sources at some azimuths. When the air brake is opening, the change amplitude of the aircraft forward RCS can exceed 19.81 dBm².

Practical implications

This research has practical significance for the dynamic electromagnetic scattering analysis and stealth design of the air brake.

Originality/value

The calculation method for aircraft RCS considering air brake dynamic deflection has been established.

Citation

Zhou, Z. and Huang, J. (2024), "Viewing electromagnetic scattering characteristics on air-brake of a stealth plane", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 96 No. 3, pp. 430-438. https://doi.org/10.1108/AEAT-10-2023-0269