8 fighter aircraft avionics-part i

Fighter Aircraft Avionics
Part I
SOLO HERMELIN
Updated: 04.04.13
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Table of Content
SOLO
2
Introduction
Jet Fighter Generations
First generation (1945-1955)
Second Generation (1950-1965)
Third Generation (1965-1975)
Fourth Generation (1970-2010)
4.5Generation
Fifth Generation (1995 - 2025)
Aircraft Avionics
Cockpit Displays
Communication (internal and external)
Data Entry and Control
Flight Control
Third Generation Avionics
Fourth Generation Avionics
4.5Generation Avionics
Fifth Generation Avionics

Table of Content (continue – 1)
SOLO
Aircraft Propulsion System
Earth Atmosphere
Flight Instruments
Power Generation System
Environmental Control System
Aircraft Aerodynamics
Fuel System
Jet Engine
Vertical/Short Take-Off and Landing (VSTOL)
Engine Control System
Flight Management System
Aircraft Flight Control
Aircraft Flight Control Surfaces
Aircraft Flight Control Examples
Fighter
Aircraft
Avionics
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Table of Content (continue – 2)
SOLO
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Equations of Motion of an Air Vehicle in Ellipsoidal Earth Atmosphere
Fighter Aircraft Weapon System
Safety Procedures
Tracking Systems
Aircraft Sensors
Airborne Radars
Infrared/Optical Systems
Electronic Warfare
Air-to-Ground Missions
Bombs
Air-to-Surface Missiles (ASM) or Air-to-Ground Missiles (AGM)
Fighter Aircraft Weapon Examples
Air-to-Air Missiles (AAM)
Fighter Gun
Aircraft Flight Performance
Navigation
Part II
References
Avionics IV
Avionics III

Introduction
SOLO
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Aircraft Avionics helps the Pilot to perform all Aircraft Tasks, from the Power-On
through Taxiing to Take off, Taking off, Flying and performing the Required
Missions , and finally Landing and Taxing from Landing. A Fighter Aircraft has
additional tasks, to deliver its Weapons, to Defend itself from Incoming Threats, and
to perform Surveillance Tasks. All those tasks are performed by a Single Pilot or in
some cases Two Pilots. Therefore the Fighter Avionics is adapted to enable to
performs the Pilot/s Multitasks. The Fighter Aircraft Avionics can be in one of the
three Modes: Navigation (NAV), Air-to-Air (A/A), Air-to-Ground (A/G).
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SOLO Jet Fighter Generations
Various features in jet fighters are described in terms of "generations", whereby a
typical jet fighter of a given generation tends to have a certain class of engines,
avionics, etc., and a typical jet fighter of the succeeding generation tends to have a
different (and superior) set of engines, avionics, etc.
First generation (1945-1955)
This generation encompasses all early jet fighters up to and including those
used in the Korean War. The early models are similar in construction to their
propellor driven predecessors with 1st and 2nd generation turbojets for power.
The first operational fighters were the German Messerschmitt Me 262 and
British Gloster Meteor during World War II.During the Korean War, the first
air combat between jet fighters took place when MiG 15 and F-86 Sabre met.
Messerschmitt Me 262 Gloster Meteor MiG 15 North American F-86 Sabre
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generation (1953-1960) generation (1960-1970) generation (1970-2000)
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Second Generation (1950-1965)
These jet fighters started to regularly use onboard radar and passive-homing
infrared-guided (IR) missiles. Early IR missile sensors had poor sensitivity and a
very narrow field of view (typically no more than 30°)
Mirage III
MIG 17
Hawker
Hunters
MIG 21
MIG 19
Sukhoi
Su - 7
Armament
•Guns
•Rockets:
•Missiles:
•Bombs: Dumb Bombs.
Sensors
•Radar (A/A Boresight Range)
•Gyro Lead Computing Optical Sight (LCOS)
•INS, TACAN, LORAN C
•Radio Communication
North American
F-100 Super Sabre
Convair F-102 Delta Dagger
Lockheed F-104 Starfighter
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Third Generation (1965-1975)
The archetype of this generation is the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II, the US
jet fighter model with the highest production number to date.
• improved air-to-air missiles
• improved (analog) radar systems (A/A and A/G Modes)
• other avionics (analog)
• guns remained standard equipment
• air-to-air missiles became the primary weapons for air superiority
fighters, which employed more sophisticated radars and medium-range
RF AAMs (AIM 7 Sparrow) to achieve greater "stand-off" ranges,
• guided ground-attack missiles (Anti Radar Missiles ARM:
AGM-45 Shrike, AGM-88 HARM)
• first truly effective avionics (analog) for enhanced ground attack
• terrain-avoidance systems.
• Air-to-surface missiles (ASM) equipped with electro-optical (E-O)
contrast seekers – such as the initial model of the widely used AGM-65
Maverick – became standard weapons
• laser-guided bombs (LGBs) became widespread
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Fourth-generation designs are heavily influenced by lessons learned from the
previous generation of combat aircraft. They include the Teen Series (F-14, F-15,
F-16 and F-18) group of Jet Fghters.
• much higher maneuverability due to low static stability, made possible by
fly-by-wire flight control system (F-16)
• advances in digital computers and system integration techniques
• system upgrades, digital avionics buses and IRST
Mikoyan MiG-29
Mikoyan MiG-31
Foxhound
Sukhoi Su-27
Grumman F-14 Tomcat
McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle
General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon
McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet
Saab 37 Viggen
Panavia Tornado
British Aerospace Harrier II
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The Fourth Generation has been characterized by significant evolutionary growth
in several areas of basic technologies:
• Microwave Semiconductors
• Phased Array
• Radar Imaging Algorithms
• Passive Microwave Targeting
• High Density Semiconductors
• Computation Capabilities
• Flat Panel Displays
• Helmet Mounted Displays (HMD)
• Infra red and Optical Focal Plane Arrays (FPA)
• GPS and Navigation
• Supercruising Turbofan Propulsion
• Radar Signature Control (Stealth)
• Sensor Fusion

F-16 Armament
• Guns: 1× 20 mm (0.787 in) M61 Vulcan 6-barreled gatling
cannon, 511 rounds
• Hardpoints: 2× wing-tip Air-to-air missile launch rails, 6× under-
wing & 3× under-fuselage pylon stations holding
up to 17,000 lb (7,700 kg) of payload
• Rockets:
4× LAU-61/LAU-68 rocket pods (each with 19× /7× Hydra 70
mm rockets, respectively) or
4× LAU-5003 rocket pods (each with 19× CRV7 70 mm
rockets) or
4× LAU-10 rocket pods (each with 4× Zuni 127 mm rockets)
• Missiles:
Air-to-air missiles:
2× AIM-7 Sparrow or
6× AIM-9 Sidewinder or
6× IRIS-T or
6× AIM-120 AMRAAM or
6× Python-4/5
Air-to-ground missiles:
6× AGM-45 Shrike or
6× AGM-65 Maverick or
4× AGM-88 HARM
Anti-ship missiles:
2× AGM-84 Harpoon or
4× AGM-119 Penguin
F-15Armament
• Guns: 1× 20 mm (0.787 in) M61 Vulcan 6-barreled
gatling cannon, 940 rounds
• Hardpoints: Total 11 (not including CFTs): two under-
wing (each with additional two missile launch rails),
four under-fuselage (for semi-recessed carriage of
AIM-7 Sparrows) and a single centerline pylon station,
optional fuselage pylons (which may include
conformal fuel tanks, known initially as Fuel And
Sensor Tactical (FAST) pack for use on the C model)
with a capacity of 16,000 lb (7,300 kg) and provisions
to carry combinations of:
• Missiles:
AIM-7 Sparrow
AIM-120 AMRAAM
AIM-9 Sidewinder
Python
• Other:
up to 3× 600 US gallons (2,300 L) external
drop tanks for ferry flight or extended
range/loitering time.
MXU-648 Cargo/Travel Pod – to carry
personal belongings, and small pieces of
maintenance equipment
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1. AIM-9
2. AIM-7
3. AIM-120
4. ALQ-131
5. IR sensors, radar for low flying
6. up 25 Mk 82
7. Mk 84
8. Paveway II or GBU-15
9. Paveway II or GBU-15
10. up 17 Mk 82
11. AGM-65
12. fuel tank 370 gal
F-16 Armament

Su-30 Armament
The Su-27PU had 8 hardpoints for its weapon load, whereas the Su-
30MK's combat load is mounted on 12 hardpoints: 2 wingtip AAM
launch rails, 3 pylons under each wing, 1 pylon under each engine
nacelle, and 2 pylons in tandem in the "arch" between the engines.
All versions can carry up to 8 tonnes of external stores.
• Guns: 1 × GSh-30-1 gun (30 mm calibre, 150 rounds)
• AAMs: 6 × R-27ER1 (AA-10C), 2 × R-27ET1 (AA-10D), 6 × R-73E
(AA-11), 6 × R-77 RVV-AE (AA-12)
• ASMs: 6 × Kh-31P/Kh-31A anti-radar missiles, 6 × Kh-29T/L laser
guided missiles, 2 × Kh-59ME
• Aerial bombs: 6 × KAB 500KR, 3 × KAB-1500KR, 8 × FAB-500T,
28 × OFAB-250-270, nuclear bombs
Su-35 Armament
• 1 × 30 mm GSh-30 internal cannon with 150 rounds
• 2 × wingtip rails for R-73 air-to-air missiles or ECM pods
• 12 × wing and fuselage stations for up to 8,000 kg (17,630 lb) of
ordnance, including a variety of air-to-air missiles, air-to-surface
missiles, rockets, and bombs such as:
• Vympel R-27: R-27R, R-27ER, R-27T, R-27ET, R-27EP, R-27AE
• Vympel R-77: R-77, and the proposed R-77M1, R-77T
• Vympel R-73: R-73E, R-73M, R-74M
• Kh-31: Kh-31A, Kh-31P Anti-Radiation Missile
• Kh-59
• Kh-29: Kh-29T, Kh-29L
• KAB-500L laser-guided bomb
• KAB-1500 laser-guided bomb
• LGB-250 laser-guided bomb
• FAB-250 250 kilograms (550 lb) unguided bombs
• FAB-500 500 kilograms (1,100 lb) unguided bombs
• S-25LD laser-guided rocket, S-250 unguided rocket
• B-8 unguided S-8 rocket pods
• B-13 unguided S-13 rocket pods
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4.5Generation
The United States Government defines 4.5 generation fighter aircraft as fourth
generation jet fighters that have been upgraded with AESA radar, high capacity
data-link, enhanced avionics, and "the ability to deploy current and reasonably
foreseeable advanced armaments
Mikoyan MiG-35
Sukhoi Su-30 Sukhoi Su-33
Sukhoi Su-34 Sukhoi Su-35
Sukhoi Su-37
Boeing F/A-18E/F
Super Hornet
McDonnell Douglas
F15E Eagle Strike
Saab JAS 39 Gripen
Dassault Rafale
Eurofighter Typhoon
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• General design concern about radar cross-section (RCS), in particular:
• chines instead of standard leading edge extensions or canards
• internal weapon bays instead of outboard weapon pylons
• a high percentage of composite materials (also to reduce weight)
• commercial off-the-shelf main processors to directly control all sensors to form
a consolidated view of the battlespace that is then shared via low observable
data links.
• newest generation of high performance jet engines
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Synergy of stealth, super-cruise and information fusion for complete situational
awareness are the attributes of fifth generation fighter aircraft.
If one were to classify modern advanced fighters in the order of
performance, fifth generation fighter aircraft (FGFAs) would clearly
lead the pack. They represent a class of their own. However,
technologies involved are so advanced and resources required so
substantial that so far only the United States has been able to field a
state-ofthe-art operational fifth generation fighter in its F-22, the
Raptor. The US is also in the lead to develop a smaller size joint strike
fighter (JSF) F-35 Lightening II the other claimant to that pedigree and
which is slated to form the backbone of not only the US Air Force
(USAF) but also the US Navy in its carrier-borne avatar and a vertical
take-off and landing (VTOL) version for the US marines. Technical
complexity and high costs have encouraged like-minded nations to form
consortia to share risks and costs. For the F-35, while the United States
is the primary customer and financial backer, the United Kingdom, Italy,
the Netherlands, Canada, Turkey, Australia, Norway and Denmark,
have all contributed towards the development costs of the programme
with individual acquisition plans
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Russia, which came on the scene more than a decade later, is
testing its own FGFA —the PAK-FA—on its own. The
program has now evolved into a Russia-India joint venture with
Sukhoi and the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) sharing
risks and costs.
Not to be outdone, China surprised the entire global military
aviation community by launching the maiden flight early last
year of its own version of fifth generation aircraft, code-named
the J-20.
India too, in addition to the Indo-Russian joint PAK-FA
program, has its own FGFA program in the form of medium
combat aircraft (MCA), but it is still on the drawing board.
Therefore, the number of countries which are engaged in
developing their own fifth generation fighters remains limited.
J-20
PAK-FA
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Attributes of FGFA: A comparison
What are the characteristics and attributes that separate the FGFA from the other fighters and how do the
current FGFAs compare with each other? Broadly the idea can be summed up as synergy of stealth, super-
cruise and information fusion for complete situational awareness.
1. Stealth
Of all attributes, “stealth” or low observability is perhaps the most important defining characteristic of a FGFA.
It is low visibility against the entire spectrum of sensors including radar, infrared, acoustic and even visual which
yields a stealth fighter the edge that nullifies many other performance advantages that the adversary might enjoy.
By outwitting all defences during the opening phases of the first Gulf War in 1991, F-117A Nighthawk (the first
fighter with stealth as its predominant strength) brought home dramatically the exponential value addition of this
attribute. However, in achieving low visibility, it had to sacrifice important performance parameters of speed and
manoeuvrability, thus leaving a window of vulnerability, should it get detected. F-22 Raptor and other aircraft in
the fifth generation stable have overcome this limitation to varying degrees. For example, in manoeuvre
performance, a F-22 Raptor in dry power matches or exceeds F-15C in afterburner regime.
Low observability in FGFAs is achieved by a combination aerodynamic tailoring, usage of composite materials
which help both in reducing weight as well as in radar reflectivity, shaping intake ducts to prevent radar echoes
from the highly reflective compressor and turbine faces and a host of other techniques which helps to reduce its
footprint. Earlier stealth designs (like the B-2 spirit bomber radar and Night Hawk F-117A) used absorbent
materials and coatings extensively to absorb the incident radar energy. However, they were maintenance-intensive
and required climate-controlled hangars to protect their stealth coatings. Aerodynamic refinements now have
reduced reliance on this method of signature control. Weapons carriage on external pylons, a major contributor to
the radar cross-section (RCS) of all fighters, has been replaced by provisioning of internal weapon bays, thus
maintaining the sleek stealthy airframe lines except for brief moments of weapon release. Close attention to detail
has resulted in a virtually noiseless aircraft with very little thermal, acoustic or radar signature..
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Attributes of FGFA: A comparison (continue – 1)
Stealth (continue)
For instance while the exact radar cross section of the F-22 in various aspects remains classified, in early 2009,
Lockheed Martin revealed that from certain critical angles, Raptor’s signature was comparable to that of a “steel
marble”.
It is obvious that some trade-off are necessary between what is required to enhance low observability mission
requirements and even cost. F-22A design keeps it stealthy from all aspects as required in an air dominance
fighter. F-35 Lightening II on the other hand has a very low radar profile from the front, is less stealthy viewed
sideways and is least stealthy in the rear quarters. The Indo-Russian PAKFA, on the other hand, has been
designed to be more manoeuvrable than the US fighters at the cost of making it less stealthy. One of the design
elements that have such an effect is the leading edge vortex controller (LEVCON). Similarly, Canard surfaces and
leading edge extensions increase radar cross-section (RCS). But the Chinese chose to retain canards on J-20 to
enhance agility while scarifying some bit of its radar signature. A lot also depends on the main role envisaged for
the aircraft. For example, while in the case of US F-22, the emphasis is on air dominance, in the case of the J-20,
its main role appears to be long-range, stand-off attack capability against surface targets. Similarly, in the case of
PAK-FA, emphasis appears to be on multi-role capability.
2. Super-Cruise:
A desirable attribute of a FGFA is the capability for it to super-cruise i.e. transit in and out of combat zone at
supersonic speeds but without the use of afterburner(s). This coupled with the other major attributes of stealth
and data fusion and armed with air-to-air and air-to-surface weapons of appropriate stand-off ranges, it would
have the unmatched capabilities of not only ‘first look’, ‘first shoot’ and ‘first kill’, but also ‘first scoot’
capability. The US F-35 JSF was purposely not designed to super-cruise but all other FGFAs including the
Chinese J-20 have the capability to super-cruise.
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Attributes of FGFA: A comparison (continue – 2)
3. Sensor Fusion/Situational Awareness
With ever more challenging mission requirements, fighter aircraft have gradually come to resemble sensor beds.
A host of sensors operating at different wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum connect the pilot to his
operating environment. In a first, Raptor’s design for example embeds passive sensors for various wavelengths all
around the aircraft’s structure. This greatly improves the aircraft’s first detection ability, even with its radar
switched off. In the emerging battlefield environment, fighter aircraft on a mission no longer hunt individually.
They operate in a networked environment—receiving and sharing data with a variety of dispersed sources. The
APG-77 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar system of the F-22 functions as a Wi-Fi access point
which can transmit data at 548 megabit/sec and receive in the gigabit/sec range. To put it in perspective, Link 16
still in use by the US and allied aircraft transfers data at just over one Mb/sec. The intention behind high speed of
connectivity is to generate seamlessly a comprehensive all-round picture to enhance the pilot’s situational
awareness. The flood of information spewed by multitude of sensors (all crucial to mission accomplishment) would
overwhelm the pilot unless filtered, prioritised and presented appropriately in an easily digestible format. Powerful
integration processors perform that crucial function. In the F-22, the AN/APG-77 phased array radar is the key to
the Raptor’s integrated avionics and sensor capabilities.
However, while the sensor fusion capabilities in the F-22 are indeed impressive, it is the US F-35 JSF which is the
epitome of a masterpiece to provide unmatched sensor-fusion/situational awareness capability. The F-35 has been
purposefully designed with synergy between sensors as a specific requirement, with the “senses” of the aircraft
expected to provide a more cohesive picture of the reality around it, and be available in principle for use in any
possible way and any possible combination with one another. All of the sensors feed directly into the main
processors to support the entire mission of the aircraft. For example, the AN/APG-81 functions not just as multi-
mode radar, but also as part of the aircraft’s electronic warfare system. As far as the Russian and Chinese designs
are concerned, not much has been revealed about this segment, but it can be safely assumed that this aspect would
definitely engage the designers’ attention, albeit to varying degrees (see Table for a comparison of the various
important attributes of the already operational/under development FGFAs in the world).
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Aircraft Avionics provides the following functions to the pilot:
• Pilot Displays
• Communication (internal and external)
• Data Entry and Control
• Flight Control
SOLO
Aircraft Avionics
23
Aircraft Avionics includes also the following functions
• Aircraft State Sensor Systems
- Air Data Systems
- Inertial Sensors
• Navigation Systems
- Dead Reckoning Navigation Systems
- Radio Navigation Systems
•External World Sensors
- Radar Systems
- Infrared/Optical Systems
• Attack Systems (Military Aircraft)
- Weapon Management & Release System
Aircraft Avionics can provide also Task Automation
• House Keeping Management
• Navigation System Management
• Autopilot and Flight Management Systems
• Engine Control and Fuel Management

SOLO Aircraft Avionics
Displays
Communication
Air Data System
Radio Navigation
System
Infrared/Optic
Systems
Self-Defence
System
Weapon System
Inertial Sensors
Navigation
Systems
Radar
Navigation
System
Management
Autopilot
& Flight
Management
System
Engine Control
& Fuel Management
Data Entry
& Control
Flight Control
Aircraft State
Sensors
External World
Sensors
Attack System
(Military)
Task
Automation
Data Bus
Navigation
Pilot
House
Keeping
Management 24
AVIONICS
Functional Components

HOTAS
KEYSET
Pilot
25
MPD
HUD
DISPLAY
PROCESSOR
MISSION
COMPUTER
STORES
STORES
MANAGEMENT
INSAIR DATA
RADAR
RADAR
WARNING
RADAR
ALTIMETER
E-O/IR
SYSTEMS
Serial
Data Bus
Serial
Data Bus
Avionics
Physical Components

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The boxes represent the following equipment:
• Display Processor (DP), which controls the following:
- Head Up Display (HUD)
- Multi-Purpose Display (MPD)
- Keyset (Aircrew’s MCC control switches/inputs)
Inertial Navigation System (INS)
• Air Data Computer (ADC)
• Stores Management System (SMS)
• Radar
• Radar Altimeter (RALT)
• Radar Warning Receiver (RWR)
• Electro-Optical/Infra-Red Systems
• Hands-On Throttle And Stick (HOTAS)
Avionics Physical Components

Aircraft Avionics
27
Avionics Physical Components
Product Breakdown Structure of a Military Aircraft System

Aircraft Avionics
28
Typical Avionics Architecture
SOLO

Aircraft Avionics
29Evolution of Avionics Architecture
SOLO

Aircraft Avionics
30
Distributed Analog/Digital Architecture
SOLO
Federated Avionics Architecture
Integrated Modular Architecture

Aircraft Avionics
31
SOLO
MIL-STD 1553 Data Bus is a
Dual-Redundant Balanced line physical
layer, a (differential) network interface,
time division multiplexing, half-duplex
command/response protocol, and up to
31 remote terminals (devices). A version,
at a 1 Mbit/sec Data Ratewith a Data
Bus controllerand Remote Terminals for
Receiving and Transmitting
Data.
MIL-STD 1553 Data Bus
MIL-STD 1553 Word Formats
MIL-STD 1553 Data Bus
A version of MIL-STD-1553 using
optical cabling in place of electrical is
known as MIL-STD-1773.

Aircraft Avionics
32
SOLO
STANAG 3910 uses MIL-STD 1553 but increases the Data Rate to 20 Mbit/sec.
The high speed is obtained using Fiber Optic Pass Data at 20 Mbit/sec and are
connected using a Star Coupler.
Control is exercised by MIL-STD 1553B using Electrical Connections. Data
Transmission is controlled by a Bus Controller as for 1553.
STANAG 3910
STANAG 3910 Architecture

Aircraft Avionics
33
SOLO
Comparative Data Bus Transmission Rates

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• Cockpit Displays provide all the necessary information using
- Helmet Sight
- Head-Up Display
- Multifunction Displays
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-Primary Flight Displays
* Height
* Airspeed
* Mach Number
* Vertical Speed
* Artificial Horizon
* Velocity Vector
* Pitch, Bank, Heading Angles
-Navigation Displays
* Aircraft Position (Latitude, Longitude, Height)
* Aircraft Direction , Distance and Time-to-go to Way Points
- Radar Displays
- Aircraft System Displays
* Engine Data
* Electrical Power Supply
* Hydraulic Power Supply
* Cabin pressuarisation
* Fuel Management System
The Information displayed is:
- Weapon Management Displays
F-18 Head Up Display (HUD) F-18 Cockpit (New Design)
Avionics Magazine –
Air Dominance with F-22 Raptor

SOLO Head-up Display (HUD)
A Head-Up Display or heads-up display—also known as a
HUD—is any transparent display that presents data without
requiring users to look away from their usual viewpoints. The
origin of the name stems from a pilot being able to view
information with the head positioned "up" and looking
forward, instead of angled down looking at lower instruments
A typical HUD contains three primary components: a
Projector Unit, a Combiner, and a Video Generation
Computer
• The Projection Unit in a typical HUD is an optical collimator setup: a convex lens or concave
mirror with a Cathode Ray Tube, light emitting diode, or liquid crystal display at its focus. This
setup (a design that has been around since the invention of the reflector sight in 1900) produces
an image where the light is parallel i.e. perceived to be at infinity
• The Combiner is typically an angled flat piece of glass (a beam splitter) located directly in front
of the viewer, that redirects the projected image from projector in such a way as to see the field of
view and the projected infinity image at the same time. Combiners may have special coatings that
reflect the monochromatic light projected onto it from the projector unit while allowing all other
wavelengths of light to pass through. In some optical layouts combiners may also have a curved
surface to refocus the image from the projector
• The Computer provides the interface between the HUD (i.e. the projection unit) and the
systems/data to be displayed and generates the imagery and symbology to be displayed by the
projection unit
See “Computing Gunsight
HUD and HMS” PDF
for a detailed presentation.

Collimating Optics
Pupil – Forming Relayed Optics
HUD Optical Arrangements

F-16 Optical Configuration (BAE SYSTEMS)
HUD Optical Arrangements

Collimating Optics

HUDs are split into four generations reflecting the technology used to generate
the images.
• First Generation—Use a CRT to generate an image on a phosphor screen,
having the disadvantage of the phosphor screen coating degrading over time.
The majority of HUDs in operation today are of this type.
• Second Generation—Use a solid state light source, for example LED, which
is modulated by an LCD screen to display an image. These systems do not fade
or require the high voltages of first generation systems. These systems are on
commercial aircraft.
• Third Generation—Use optical waveguides to produce images directly in the
combiner rather than use a projection system.
• Fourth Generation—Use a scanning laser to display images and even video
imagery on a clear transparent medium.
Newer micro-display imaging technologies are being introduced, including
liquid crystal display (LCD), liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS), digital micro-
mirrors (DMD), and organic light-emitting diode (OLED).

SOLO Airborne Radars
Spick M., “The Great Book of Modern Warplanes”, Salamander, 2003
F/A-18 Head Up Display (HUD)
F-18 HUD Gun Symbology

1 Available Gs 10 Gun Cross
2 Current Gs 11 Waterline Symbol
3 Mach Ratio 12 Velocity Vector
4 True Airspeed 13 Barometric Altitude
5 Angle of Attack (AOA) 14 Radar Altitude
6 Indicated Airspeed 15 Horizon Line
7 Pitch Ladder 16 Ghost Velocity Vector
8 Command Heading Marker 17 Maximum Projected Area
9 Heading Scale
F-15E - Head-Up Display
F-15C_ M61A1 Vulcan Cannon and AIM-9M Sidewinder

In addition to the generic information described above, military
applications include weapons system and sensor data such as:
• Target Designation (TD) indicator—places a cue over an air or ground
target (which is typically derived from radar or inertial navigation system
data).
• Vc—closing velocity with target.
• Range—to target, waypoint, etc.
• Launch Acceptability Region (LAR)—displays when an air-to-air or air-
to-ground weapon can be successfully launched to reach a specified
target.
• Weapon Seeker or sensor line of sight—shows where a seeker or sensor
is pointing.
• Weapon status—includes type and number of weapons selected,
available, arming, etc.
Military aircraft specific applications

SOLO Airborne Radars
http://www.ausairpower.net/Profile-F-15A-D.html
F-15 Head Up Display (HUD) Data at Different Mission Modes

SOLO Head-Mounted Display (HMD)
Other than fixed mounted HUDs, there are also HMDs head-mounted displays.
Including Helmet Mounted Displays (both abbreviated HMD), forms of HUD that
features a display element that moves with the orientation of the users' heads.
Many modern fighters (such as the F/A-18, F-16 and Eurofighter) use both a HUD
and HMD concurrently. The F-35 Lightning II was designed without a HUD, relying
solely on the HMD, making it the first modern military fighter not to have a fixed
HUD
Types

Normal Helmet Functions
Typical Optical Configurations

Typical HMD System Configurations

Possible Uses of a HMD to Cue, Designate and Aim “Off Boresight”

50
SOLO
Helmet Sights
Return to TOC

• Communication (internal and external)
SOLO
Aircraft Avionics
51
The radio communication of the aircraft enables voice transfer to and from the
aircraft at various bands UHF and VHF (240 – 400 MHz). It is usually at duplex
level of redundancy. The military part of the communication is coded.
At Modern Aircraft data is also transferred to and from the avionics trough
specialized Communication Networks.
• Data Entry and Control
Data Entry and Control provides the interaction with the system avionics
On the Military Aircraft the flight is performed
using the
- Stick (controls the aircraft in pitch, roll, heading)
- Throttle (controls the aircraft engines)
Different control are placed on Stick and Throttle.
In additions data and control is provided by mechanically
interacting with the avionics or by direct voice input in
Modern Aircraft (see F-22, F-35). Return to TOC

• Flight Control
SOLO
Aircraft Avionics
52
In order to enable to perform the flying tasks of the Aircraft a Flight Control System
translates the Pilot commands to activate the Aerodynamic Control Surfaces and
Thrust (magnitude and for some Aircraft, direction). The Flight Control also
Stabilizes the Aircraft. Some Modern Fighters are Aerodynamically unstable (F-16)
and the Flight Control enables to fly through the entire Flight Envelope.

SOLO
Aircraft Avionics
53
• House Keeping Management
- Fuel System Management
- Electrical Power Supply System Management
- Hydraulic Power Supply System Management
- Environmental Control System
- Warning Systems
- Maintenance & Monitoring Systems
Task Automation
• Autopilot and Flight Management System (FMS)
- Flight Planning
- Navigation Management
- Engine Control to maintain the planned Speed or Mach number.
- Control of the Aircraft Flight Path to follow the optimized planned route.
- Control of the Vertical Flight Profile.
- Flight Envelope Monitoring.
- Minimal Fuel Consumption,
- Automatic Take-off and Landing
Return to TOC

54
McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II
General characteristics
•Crew: 2
•Length: 63 ft 0 in (19.2 m)
•Wingspan: 38 ft 4.5 in (11.7 m)
•Height: 16 ft 6 in (5.0 m)
•Wing area: 530.0 ft² (49.2 m²)
•Airfoil: NACA 0006.4–64 root, NACA 0003-64 tip
•Empty weight: 30,328 lb (13,757 kg)
•Loaded weight: 41,500 lb (18,825 kg)
•Max. takeoff weight: 61,795 lb (28,030 kg)
•Powerplant: 2 × General Electric J79-GE-17A axial compressor turbojets,
11,905 lbf dry thrust (52.9 kN), 17,845 lbf in afterburner (79.4 kN) each
•Zero-lift drag coefficient: 0.0224
•Drag area: 11.87 ft² (1.10 m²)
•Aspect ratio: 2.77
•Fuel capacity: 1,994 U.S. gal (7,549 L) internal, 3,335 U.S. gal (12,627 L)
with three external tanks (370 U.S. gal (1,420 L) tanks on the outer wing
hardpoints and either a 600 or 610 U.S. gal (2,310 or 2,345 L) tank for the
centerline station).
•Maximum landing weight: 36,831 lb (16,706 kg)
Performance
•Maximum speed: Mach 2.23 (1,472 mph, 2,370 km/h) at 40,000 ft (12,190
m)
•Cruise speed: 506 kn (585 mph, 940 km/h)
•Combat radius: 367 nmi (422 mi, 680 km)
•Ferry range: 1,403 nmi (1,615 mi, 2,600 km) with 3 external fuel tanks
•Service ceiling: 60,000 ft (18,300 m)
•Rate of climb: 41,300 ft/min (210 m/s)
•Wing loading: 78 lb/ft² (383 kg/m²)
•lift-to-drag: 8.58
•Thrust/weight: 0.86 at loaded weight, 0.58 at MTOW
•Takeoff roll: 4,490 ft (1,370 m) at 53,814 lb (24,410 kg)
•Landing roll: 3,680 ft (1,120 m) at 36,831 lb (16,706 kg)
Armament
•Up to 18,650 lb (8,480 kg) of weapons on nine external hardpoints,
including general purpose bombs, cluster bombs, TV- and laser-guided
bombs, rocket pods (UK Phantoms 6 × Matra rocket pods with 18 ×
SNEB 68 mm rockets each), air-to-ground missiles, anti-runway
weapons, anti-ship missiles, targeting pods, reconnaissance pods, and
nuclear weapons. Baggage pods and external fuel tanks may also be
carried.
•4× AIM-7 Sparrow in fuselage recesses plus 4 × AIM-9 Sidewinders on
wing pylons; upgraded Hellenic F-4E and German F-4F ICE carry
AIM-120 AMRAAM, Japanese F-4EJ Kai carry AAM-3, Hellenic F-4E
will carry IRIS-T in future. Iranian F-4s could potentially carry Russian
and Chinese missiles. UK Phantoms carried Skyflash missiles[117]
•1× 20 mm (0.787 in) M61 Vulcan 6-barreled gatling cannon, 640
rounds
•4× AIM-9 Sidewinder, Python-3 (F-4 Kurnass 2000), IRIS-T (F-4E
AUP Hellenic Air Force)
•4× AIM-7 Sparrow, AAM-3(F-4EJ Kai)
•4× AIM-120 AMRAAM for F-4F ICE, F-4E AUP (Hellenic Air Force)
•6× AGM-65 Maverick
•4× AGM-62 Walleye
•4× AGM-45 Shrike, AGM-88 HARM, AGM-78 Standard ARM
•4× GBU-15
•18× Mk.82, GBU-12
•5× Mk.84, GBU-10, GBU-14
•18× CBU-87, CBU-89, CBU-58
•Nuclear weapons, including the B28EX, B61, B43 and B57
Dogfights, F4 Phantom II, Movie

McDonnell Douglass F-4 Phantom All Weather Fighter - Bomber
55

McDonnell Douglass F-4B Phantom Instrument Panel
56

McDonnell Douglass F-4 Phantom Cockpit
57

McDonnell Douglass F-4 Phantom Avionics
58
• Instrument Panel based on Analog Instruments and Mechanical Controls
• Westinghouse APQ-120 Radar (Analog) with A/A and A/G Modes
• CRT Radar Display, TV Weapon Display replaced by MFT Display
• AN/APG 22, AN/APG 26 Lead Computing Optical Sight for Gun Mode
• Target Identification System, Electro-Optical (TISEO) F-4 (V) Phantom
• INS (Platform Leveled) with Analog Computer
• Analog Weapon Delivery System (Dumb Bomb Release Computations)
• Analog Missile Computer (AIM4, AIM7 Sparrow) (Radar LRU)
Armament
•Up to 18,650 lb (8,480 kg) of weapons on nine external hardpoints, including general purpose bombs, cluster bombs, TV- and laser-
guided bombs, rocket pods (UK Phantoms 6 × Matra rocket pods with 18 × SNEB 68 mm rockets each), air-to-ground missiles, anti-
runway weapons, anti-ship missiles, targeting pods, reconnaissance pods, and nuclear weapons. Baggage pods and external fuel tanks may
also be carried.
•4× AIM-7 Sparrow in fuselage recesses plus 4 × AIM-9 Sidewinders on wing pylons; upgraded Hellenic F-4E and German F-4F ICE
carry AIM-120 AMRAAM, Japanese F-4EJ Kai carry AAM-3, Hellenic F-4E will carry IRIS-T in future. Iranian F-4s could potentially
carry Russian and Chinese missiles. UK Phantoms carried Skyflash missiles[117]
•1× 20 mm (0.787 in) M61 Vulcan 6-barreled gatling cannon, 640 rounds
•4× AIM-9 Sidewinder, Python-3 (F-4 Kurnass 2000), IRIS-T (F-4E AUP Hellenic Air Force)
•4× AIM-7 Sparrow, AAM-3(F-4EJ Kai)
•4× AIM-120 AMRAAM for F-4F ICE, F-4E AUP (Hellenic Air Force)
•6× AGM-65 Maverick
•4× AGM-62 Walleye
•4× AGM-45 Shrike, AGM-88 HARM, AGM-78 Standard ARM
•4× GBU-15
•18× Mk.82, GBU-12
•5× Mk.84, GBU-10, GBU-14
•18× CBU-87, CBU-89, CBU-58
•Nuclear weapons, including the B28EX, B61, B43 and B57

McDonnell Douglass F-4 Phantom Instrument Panel
59
Westinghouse APQ-120 Radar in the Nose of McDonnell Douglass F-4 Phantom

60
Westinghouse APQ-120 Radar in the Nose of McDonnell Douglass F-4 Phantom
Westinghouse APQ-120 Radar
• X Band Non-Coherent Pulse Radar
A/A and A/G Modes
•LRUs:
- Parabolic Antenna
- RF Transmitter (TWT)
- CW Transmitter (forAIM7)
- RF Receiver
- Synchronizer (Analog)
- Analog Missile Computer
(AIM4, AIM7 Sparrow)
Westinghouse APQ-120 Radar
• A/A Mode provides
- Track (angles,range) to
Aerial Target for Launch data
of AIM7
- Ranging in BST Mode for
Gun Lead Angle Computer
- Target Illumination for the SA
AIM7 Missile
• A/G Mode provides Ranges in BST
to Ground Targets Pointed by the
Pilot for Weapon Delivery
Computer.
Return to TOC

General Dynamics F-16
61
Return to Table of Content

SOLO
F-16 C/D
F-16 Cockpit, avionics and radar, Movie F-16 Integrated Sensor Suite - Northrop Grumman, Movie
Airborne Radars
62

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Airborne Radars F-16 Air-to-Air Modes
63

SOLO
64

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Airborne Flight Controllers
F-16 Throttle Grip &
Side-Stick Controller
65

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Airborne Radars F-16 Display
66

SOLO
67

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68

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69

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70

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2845813/posts
71

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Airborne Radars
Comparison of the F-15A standard AN/APG- 63
(top) and the PSP –modified for F-15C
Spick M., “The Great Book of Modern Warplanes”, Salamander, 2003
F-15 Eagle
The F-15 cockpit is a vast improvement on the
highly complex F-4 but not as advanced as
the F-18 which almost totally replaces
analogue instruments with multi-function
72

The F-15 cockpit is a vast improvement on
the highly complex F-4 but not as
advanced as the F-18 which almost totally
replaces analogue instruments with multi-
function CRTs.
SOLO
Airborne Cockpit
International Defence Review,
Combat Aircraft, Special series,
2/1975
73

SOLO
Airborne Radars
International Defence Review, Combat Aircraft, Special series, 2/1975
74

SOLO
Airborne Radars
http://www.f-15estrikeeagle.com/technology/avionics/radar/radar.htm
75

SOLO
http://www.f-15estrikeeagle.com/technology/avionics/radar/radar.htm
F-15C AN/APG-63 Pulse-Doppler Tutorial 1, Movie
F-15C AN/APG-63 Pulse-Doppler Tutorial 2, Movie
76

77

SOLO
Airborne Cockpit
http://www.ausairpower.net/TE-Fighter-Cockpits.html
Cockpit F18, Movie
F18 Carrier Landing Cockpit View, Movie
78

SOLO
The identical Master Monitor Display and Multi-Function Display are completely
Interchangeable as regards the information they show. At the left is a typical Radar Display.
At the right is a typical Weapon-delivery Management Display.
F-18 Displays
Airborne Radars
79

SOLO
Airborne Cockpit
F-18 Cockpit – New Design 80

TYPHOON:
The Eurofighter Typhoon features a glass cockpit without any conventional
instruments. It includes: three full colour multi-function head-down displays
(MHDDs) (the formats on which are manipulated by means of softkeys, XY cursor,
and voice (DVI) command), a wide angle head-up display (HUD) with forward-
looking infrared (FLIR), voice and hands-on throttle and stick (Voice+HOTAS),
Helmet Mounted Symbology System (HMSS), Multifunctional Information
Distribution System (MIDS), a manual data-entry facility (MDEF) located on the left
glareshield and a fully integrated aircraft warning system with a dedicated warnings
panel (DWP). Reversionary flying instruments, lit by LEDs, are located
under a hinged right glareshield
http://4flying.com/showthread.php?t=81841
SOLO
Airborne Cockpit
CAESAR AESA (EF-2000 Tranch3, post-2015 with 1,500
T/Rs)
For RCS 0.0001 m2 class target: 18~21 km+
Source:
http://www.defence.pk/forums/air-warfare/20908-rcs-differen
81

SOLO
Airborne Cockpit
82Eurofighter Typhoon Avionics Architecture

SOLO
Airborne Cockpits
KnAAPO/Sukhoi Su-30MKK Crew Stations
http://www.ausairpower.net/APA-Flanker.html
Pilot Co-Pilot
83
Return to TOC

SOLO
Airborne Radars F-16
4.5 Generation Avionics
84

SOLO 4.5 Generation Avionics
85

86
F-15SE

87
F-15SE

RAFALE Cockpit
The cockpit includes a wide-angle holographic head-up display (HUD), two head-
down flat-panel colour multi-function displays (MFDs) and a center collimated
display. Display interaction is by means of touch input for which the pilot wears
silk-lined leather gloves. In addition, in full development, the pilot will have a
head-mounted display (HMD).The pilot flies the aircraft with a side-stick controller
mounted on his right and a throttle on his left. These incorporate multiple hands-
on-throttle-and-stick (HOTAS) controls.
http://4flying.com/showthread.php?t=81841
88
Airborne Cockpits

JAS-39 Gripen Cockpit
http://military-photo.blogspot.co.il/2008/12/jas39-cockpit-picture.html
89
Airborne Cockpits

SOLO
Airborne Cockpits
Flanker (Sukhoi Su –35) Cockpit
http://www.ausairpower.net/APA-2008-04.html
The New SU-35S, Movie
90
Return to TOC

91
Lockeed Martin F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II, Movie

F-22 Raptor
SOLO Fifth Generation Avionics
92

SOLO
http://www.f-22raptor.com/af_radar.phpAirborne Radars
AN/APG 77
Active Electronically
Scanned Array
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AN/APG-77
The AN/APG-77 is a multifunction radar installed on the F-22 Raptor fighter aircraft. The radar is built by
Northrop Grumman.
It is a solid-state, active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar. Composed of 1500 transmitreceive modules,
each about the size of a gum stick, it can perform a near-instantaneous beam steering (in the order of tens of
nanoseconds).
The APG-77 provides 120° field of view in azimuth and elevation. The highest value, which can be achieved for the
Field of View (FOV) of a phased array antenna is 120° (60° left and 60° right. 60° up and 60° down).
F-22 RaptorFifth Generation Avionics
93

SOLO
Airborne Radars
F-22 Raptor
http://igorrgroup.blogspot.co.il/2009/08/aesa-radars-for-fighters-brief-review.html
The most advanced AESA radar program is
Northrop-Grumman ANAPG-77 for
prospective stealthy fighter which have started
at 1985. It has been installed on F-22A
'Raptor'. The framework of the radar was
changed number times during the design
period. Initially this radar was intended for
air-to-air missions only. Air-to-ground
capability was added much latter. The last
variant, AN/APG-77(V)1 benefits from
technological and maintenance improvements
of further developed AN/APG-80 and
AN/APG-81 radars. New software allows high
resolution mapping mode.
The radar is as 1 m. in its diameter and contains 2000 MMICs (emitting modules) each
as 70 mm long. According to the manufacturer information the maximal detection range
is 270-300 km for fighter-class aircrafts, 490 km – for bombers, 150 km – for cruise
missiles. The maximal angle is 60 grad in vertical and horizontal projection, but only 30
grad in close combat. The radar can treck up to 28 targets. Radar has also the passive
mode and the low probability intercepting (LPI) mode.
94

SOLO
F-22 Avionics F-22 Raptor
95

SOLO
96

SOLO
97
FA 22 Raptor cockpit, Movie

SOLO F-22 Raptor
US Air Force F-22 Avionics Architecture
IEEE Aerospace & Electronic System Magazine, Jubilee Issue, October 2000
Airborne Radars
98

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99

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100
F22 Top Level Avionics Architecture

SOLO
101
F22 Communication Navigation and Identification (CNI)
Aperture (Upper Aspect)

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102
F22 EW Aperture

SOLO
Airborne Cockpits F-22 Raptor
Flight International
9-15 April 1997
103
F22 Displays Schematic

SOLO
Lockheed_Martin_F-35_Lightning_II
104

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105

106
General Characteristics
• Crew: 1
• Length: 51.4 ft (15.67 m)
• Wingspan: 35 ft[N 5]
(10.7 m)
• Height: 14.2 ft[N 6]
(4.33 m)
• Wing area: 460 ft²[170]
(42.7 m²)
• Empty weight: 29,300 lb (13,300 kg)
• Loaded weight: 49,540 lb (22,470 kg)
• Max. takeoff weight: 70,000 lb[N 8]
(31,800 kg)
• Powerplant: 1 × Pratt & Whitney F135 afterburning
turbofan
Dry thrust: 28,000 lbf (125 kN)
Thrust with afterburner: 43,000 lbf (191 kN)
• Internal fuel capacity: 18,480 lb (8,382 kg)
Performance
• Maximum speed: Mach 1.6+ (1,200 mph, 1,930 km/h)
(Tested to Mach 1.61)
• Range: 1,200 nmi (2,220 km) on internal fuel
• Combat radius: 584 nmi (1,080 km) on internal fuel
• Service ceiling: 60,000 ft[350]
(18,288 m) (Tested to 43,000 ft)
• Rate of climb: classified (not publicly available)
• Wing loading: 91.4 lb/ft² (446 kg/m²)
• Thrust/weight:
With full fuel: 0.87
With 50% fuel: 1.07
• g-Limits: 9 g
Armament
• Guns: 1 × General Dynamics GAU-22/A Equalizer 25 m
(0.984 in) 4-barreled gatling cannon, internally mounted with
180 rounds
• Hardpoints: 6 × external pylons on wings with a capacity of
15,000 lb (6,800 kg) and 2 internal bays with 2 pylons
each for a total weapons payload of 18,000 lb (8,100 kg) and
provisions to carry combinations of:
Missiles:
Air-to-air missiles:
AIM-120 AMRAAM
AIM-9X Sidewinder
IRIS-T
MBDA Meteor (Pending further funding)
JDRADM (after 2020)
Air-to-surface missiles:
AGM-154 JSOW
AGM-158 JASSM
Brimstone missile
Joint Air-to-Ground Missile
Storm Shadow missile
SOM
Anti-ship missiles:

SOLO
107

SOLO
108
F35 Pave Pace Integrated RF Architecture

SOLO
109
F35 Pave Pace Shared Architecture, RF Architecture

SOLO
110

SOLO
F-35 Data Fused Sensors, MovieFifth Generation Avionics
111

113

Northrop Grumman AN/APG-81 AESA Radar
F-35_Lightning_II Cockpit
F-35_Lightning_II Avionics
114

Lockheed_Martin_F-35_Lightning_II F-35 JSF-Radar Movie, Movie
115

116

F-35 EO DAS MovieLockheed_Martin_F-35_Lightning_II
117
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F-35 Glass Cockpit, Movie
118
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119
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120

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121

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122

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123

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124

125
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126
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Jet Fighter Generations
127
Generations Comparison
SOLO

128
Go to Fighter Aircraft Avionics Part II
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References
SOLO
129
PHAK Chapter 1 - 17
http://www.gov/library/manuals/aviation/pilot_handbook/media/
George M. Siouris, “Aerospace Avionics Systems, A Modern Synthesis”,
Academic Press, Inc., 1993
R.P.G. Collinson, “Introduction to Avionics”, Chapman & Hall, Inc., 1996, 1997, 1998
Ian Moir, Allan Seabridge, “Aircraft Systems, Mechanical, Electrical and Avionics
Subsystem Integration”, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., 3th Ed., 2008
Ian Moir, Allan Seabridge, “Military Avionics Systems”, John Wiley & Sons, LTD.,
2006

References (continue – 1)
SOLO
130
S. Hermelin, “Air Vehicle in Spherical Earth Atmosphere”
S. Hermelin, “Airborne Radar”, Part1, Part2, Example1, Example2
S. Hermelin, “Tracking Systems”
S. Hermelin, “Navigation Systems”
S. Hermelin, “Earth Atmosphere”
S. Hermelin, “Earth Gravitation”
S. Hermelin, “Aircraft Flight Instruments”
S. Hermelin, “Computing Gunsight, HUD and HMS”
S. Hermelin, “Aircraft Flight Performance”
S. Hermelin, “Sensors Systems: Surveillance, Ground Mapping, Target Tracking”
S. Hermelin, “Air-to-Air Combat”

References (continue – 2)
SOLO
131
S. Hermelin, “Spherical Trigonometry”
S. Hermelin, “Modern Aircraft Cutaway”

132
SOLO
Technion
Israeli Institute of Technology
1964 – 1968 BSc EE
1968 – 1971 MSc EE
Israeli Air Force
1970 – 1974
RAFAEL
Israeli Armament Development Authority
1974 – 2013
Stanford University
1983 – 1986 PhD AA

8 fighter aircraft avionics-part i

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