Avionics and ECM System Integration on Military Aircraft

Abstract

To survive in the present and future hostile electronic environment, military aircraft will have to carry an ever increasing amount of countermeasur es equipment. This paper reviews some of the major problems inherent in the design, development, and application of ECM (Electronic Countermeasures) equipment in high-performance aircraft. Areas covered include installation, aerodynamic and structural, electromagnetic interference and compatibility, special tests and plans, integration and enhancement, and coordination and management. To resolve the acute problem of conflicting requirements for improved aircraft performance vs large complex ECM installations, necessitates close coordination among all the engineering disciplines. The selection and installation of ECM equipment should be preceded by feasibility and any other tests required to determine how the equipment will function in its true aircraft environment. In the final analysis, the most demanding problem is the management effort required to coordinate the contributions from the various vendors and government agencies.