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F-22 Completes IR Signature Testing
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The F-22 completed the first round of observables flight tests with Raptor 4002. During the test, the F-22’s inflight infrared signature was measured against operational specifications at the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division range at Point Mugu, California. The collected signature data will be used to validate predictive models that will analytically demonstrate F-22 IR specification compliance; generate validated signature inputs for the Air Combat Simulator and other system effectiveness survivability models; evaluate IR countermeasure effectiveness; and provide a validated baseline for future IR signature improvements, if needed. This testing demonstrated the F-22 has a low all-aspect IR signature under sustained supersonic conditions. The reduction and control of IR signature is critical to the mission effectiveness of any future tactical aircraft. Over the past thirty years, most combat aircraft losses worldwide have been caused by IR-guided missiles. |
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