Fighter Aircraft Avionics

Part I

SOLO HERMELIN

Updated: 04.04.13

1
SOLO
Fighter Aircraft Avionics
Table of Content
Introduction
Jet Fighter Generations
First generation (1945-1955)
)Second Generation (1950-1965
)Third Generation (1965-1975
)Fourth Generation (1970-2010
Generation 4.5
)Fifth Generation (1995 - 2025
Aircraft Avionics
Cockpit Displays
)Communication (internal and external
Data Entry and Control
Flight Control
Third Generation Avionics
Fourth Generation Avionics
Generation Avionics 4.5
Fifth Generation Avionics
2
SOLO
Fighter Aircraft Avionics
Table of Content (continue – 1)

Fighter
Earth Atmosphere
Aircraft
Flight Instruments
Avionics
Flight Management System
Aircraft Aerodynamics II

Aircraft Flight Control

Aircraft Flight Control Surfaces
Aircraft Flight Control Examples
Aircraft Propulsion System
Jet Engine
)Vertical/Short Take-Off and Landing (VSTOL
Engine Control System
Fuel System
Power Generation System
Environmental Control System
SOLO
Fighter Aircraft Avionics
Table of Content (continue – 2) Part II Avionics III
Aircraft Flight Performance
Navigation
Aircraft Sensors
Tracking Systems
Airborne Radars
Infrared/Optical Systems
Electronic Warfare
Fighter Aircraft Weapon System
Air-to-Ground Missions Avionics IV
Bombs
Air-to-Surface Missiles (ASM) or Air-to-Ground Missiles (AGM)
Air-to-Air Missiles (AAM)
Fighter Aircraft Weapon Examples
Fighter Gun
Safety Procedures
Equations of Motion of an Air Vehicle in Ellipsoidal Earth Atmosphere
References 4
SOLO
Fighter Aircraft Avionics
Introduction
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).

5
Return to TOC
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

6
SOLO Jet Fighter Generations

)generation (1953-1960 )generation (1960-1970 )generation (1970-2000

7
Return to TOC
SOLO Jet Fighter Generations
)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°)

MIG 17
Armament North American
Mirage III F-100 Super Sabre

MIG 19 •Guns
•Rockets:
•Missiles:
•Bombs: Dumb Bombs.
MIG 21
Sensors
Convair F-102 Delta Dagger
Sukhoi •Radar (A/A Boresight Range)
•Gyro Lead Computing Optical Sight (LCOS)
Su - 7 •INS, TACAN, LORAN C
•Radio Communication
Hawker
8
Hunters
Return to TOC Lockheed F-104 Starfighter
SOLO Jet Fighter Generations
)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
9
Return to TOC
SOLO Jet Fighter Generations
)Fourth Generation (1970-2010
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 Grumman F-14 Tomcat

McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet
British Aerospace Harrier II

Mikoyan MiG-31 McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle

Saab 37 Viggen
Foxhound

10
General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon
Sukhoi Su-27 Panavia Tornado
SOLO Jet Fighter Generations
)Fourth Generation (1970-2010

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

11
SOLO Jet Fighter Generations
)Fourth Generation (1970-2010
F-16 Armament F-15Armament
• Guns: 1× 20 mm (0.787 in) M61 Vulcan 6-barreled gatling • Guns: 1× 20 mm (0.787 in) M61 Vulcan 6-barreled
cannon, 511 rounds gatling cannon, 940 rounds
• Hardpoints: 2× wing-tip Air-to-air missile launch rails, 6× under- • Hardpoints: Total 11 (not including CFTs): two under-
wing & 3× under-fuselage pylon stations holding wing (each with additional two missile launch rails),
up to 17,000 lb (7,700 kg) of payload four under-fuselage (for semi-recessed carriage of
• Rockets:
AIM-7 Sparrows) and a single centerline pylon station,
4× LAU-61/LAU-68 rocket pods (each with 19× /7× Hydra 70 optional fuselage pylons (which may include
mm rockets, respectively) or conformal fuel tanks, known initially as Fuel And
4× LAU-5003 rocket pods (each with 19× CRV7 70 mm Sensor Tactical (FAST) pack for use on the C model)
rockets) or with a capacity of 16,000 lb (7,300 kg) and provisions
4× LAU-10 rocket pods (each with 4× Zuni 127 mm rockets) to carry combinations of:
• Missiles: • Missiles:
Air-to-air missiles: AIM-7 Sparrow
2× AIM-7 Sparrow or AIM-120 AMRAAM
6× AIM-9 Sidewinder or AIM-9 Sidewinder
6× IRIS-T or Python
6× AIM-120 AMRAAM or • Other:
6× Python-4/5 up to 3× 600 US gallons (2,300 L) external
Air-to-ground missiles: drop tanks for ferry flight or extended
6× AGM-45 Shrike or range/loitering time.
6× AGM-65 Maverick or MXU-648 Cargo/Travel Pod – to carry
4× AGM-88 HARM personal belongings, and small pieces of
Anti-ship missiles: maintenance equipment
2× AGM-84 Harpoon or
4× AGM-119 Penguin
12
SOLO Jet Fighter Generations
)Fourth Generation (1970-2010

F-16 Armament

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
13. fuel tank 300 gal
14. fuel tank 600 gal
13
 SOLO Jet Fighter Generations
)Fourth Generation (1970-2010
Su-30 Armament 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
The Su-27PU had 8 hardpoints for its weapon load, whereas the Su-
• 12 × wing and fuselage stations for up to 8,000 kg (17,630 lb) of
30MK's combat load is mounted on 12 hardpoints: 2 wingtip AAM
launch rails, 3 pylons under each wing, 1 pylon under each engine ordnance, including a variety of air-to-air missiles, air-to-surface
nacelle, and 2 pylons in tandem in the "arch" between the engines. missiles, rockets, and bombs such as:
• Vympel R-27: R-27R, R-27ER, R-27T, R-27ET, R-27EP, R-27AE
All versions can carry up to 8 tonnes of external stores.
• Guns: 1 × GSh-30-1 gun (30 mm calibre, 150 rounds) • Vympel R-77: R-77, and the proposed R-77M1, R-77T
• AAMs: 6 × R-27ER1 (AA-10C), 2 × R-27ET1 (AA-10D), 6 × R-73E • Vympel R-73: R-73E, R-73M, R-74M
• Kh-31: Kh-31A, Kh-31P Anti-Radiation Missile
(AA-11), 6 × R-77 RVV-AE (AA-12)
• ASMs: 6 × Kh-31P/Kh-31A anti-radar missiles, 6 × Kh-29T/L laser • Kh-59
• Kh-29: Kh-29T, Kh-29L
guided missiles, 2 × Kh-59ME
• Aerial bombs: 6 × KAB 500KR, 3 × KAB-1500KR, 8 × FAB-500T, • KAB-500L laser-guided bomb
• KAB-1500 laser-guided bomb
28 × OFAB-250-270, nuclear bombs
• 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

14
Return to TOC
SOLO Jet Fighter Generations
Generation 4.5
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 Saab JAS 39 Gripen

Boeing F/A-18E/F
Super Hornet
Sukhoi Su-30 Sukhoi Su-33

Dassault Rafale

Sukhoi Su-34 Sukhoi Su-35 McDonnell Douglas

F15E Eagle Strike

Sukhoi Su-37 15
Eurofighter Typhoon Return to TOC
SOLO Jet Fighter Generations
)Fifth Generation (1995 - 2025

• 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

16
SOLO Jet Fighter Generations
)Fifth Generation (1995 - 2025

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 17
with individual acquisition plans
SOLO Jet Fighter Generations
)Fifth Generation (1995 - 2025 PAK-FA
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
18
SOLO Jet Fighter Generations
)Fifth Generation (1995 - 2025
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 19 to detail
has resulted in a virtually noiseless aircraft with very little thermal, acoustic or radar signature. .
SOLO Jet Fighter Generations
)Fifth Generation (1995 - 2025
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 20the
Chinese J-20 have the capability to super-cruise.
SOLO Jet Fighter Generations
)Fifth Generation (1995 - 2025 Return to TOC

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
21
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).
SOLO Jet Fighter Generations

22
Return to TOC
SOLO
Aircraft Avionics
Aircraft Avionics provides the following functions to the pilot:
• Pilot Displays
• Communication (internal and external)
• Data Entry and Control
• Flight Control
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 23
• Engine Control and Fuel Management
SOLO Aircraft Avionics

Pilot Displays

Communication Data Bus

Data Entry AVIONICS
& Control
Functional Components
Flight Control

Aircraft State Air Data System Inertial Sensors

Sensors
Navigation Radio Navigation Navigation
System Systems

Infrared/Optic
Systems
External World Radar
Self-Defence
Sensors System

Attack System
Weapon System
(Military)

House Navigation Autopilot

Task Keeping System & Flight Engine Control
Automation Management Management Management & Fuel Management 24
System
SOLO Aircraft Avionics

Pilot STORES

HOTAS
Avionics
Physical Components
KEYSET

Serial
MPD Data Bus
HUD

AIR DATA INS

DISPLAY STORES Serial
PROCESSOR MANAGEMENT Data Bus

RADAR MISSION RADAR E-O/IR

RADAR
ALTIMETER COMPUTER WARNING SYSTEMS

25
SOLO Aircraft Avionics
Avionics Physical Components

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)

26
 Aircraft Avionics
Avionics Physical Components

Product Breakdown Structure of a Military Aircraft System

27
SOLO Aircraft Avionics

Typical Avionics Architecture

28
SOLO Aircraft Avionics

Evolution of Avionics Architecture 29

SOLO Aircraft Avionics

Distributed Analog/Digital Architecture Federated Avionics Architecture

Integrated Modular Architecture

30
SOLO Aircraft Avionics
MIL-STD 1553 Data Bus
MIL-STD 1553 Data Bus is a MIL-STD 1553 Data Bus
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.
A version of MIL-STD-1553 using
optical cabling in place of electrical is
known as MIL-STD-1773.

MIL-STD 1553 Word Formats

31
SOLO Aircraft Avionics
STANAG 3910
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.

32
STANAG 3910 Architecture
SOLO Aircraft Avionics

Comparative Data Bus Transmission Rates 33

SOLO Aircraft Avionics

34
Return to TOC
SOLO Aircraft Avionics
• Cockpit Displays provide all the necessary information using
- Helmet Sight
- Head-Up Display
- Multifunction Displays
The Information displayed is:
-Primary Flight Displays
* Height
* Airspeed
* Mach Number
* Vertical Speed
* Artificial Horizon
* Velocity Vector F-18 Head Up Display (HUD) F-18 Cockpit (New Design)
* Pitch, Bank, Heading Angles
-Navigation Displays
* Aircraft Position (Latitude, Longitude, Height)
* Aircraft Direction , Distance and Time-to-go to Way Points
- Radar Displays
- Weapon Management Displays
- Aircraft System Displays
* Engine Data
* Electrical Power Supply
* Hydraulic Power Supply
Avionics Magazine –
* Cabin pressuarisation 35Raptor
Air Dominance with F-22
* Fuel Management System
 See “Computing Gunsight
SOLO )Head-up Display (HUD HUD and HMS” PDF
for a detailed presentation.

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
SOLO )Head-up Display (HUD
HUD Optical Arrangements

Collimating Optics

Pupil – Forming Relayed Optics

SOLO )Head-up Display (HUD
HUD Optical Arrangements

F-16 Optical Configuration (BAE SYSTEMS)

SOLO )Head-up Display (HUD

Collimating Optics
SOLO )Head-up Display (HUD

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 )Head-up Display (HUD
SOLO Airborne Radars
Spick M., “The Great Book of Modern Warplanes”, Salamander, 2003

F-18 HUD Gun Symbology

F/A-18 Head Up Display (HUD)

SOLO )Head-up Display (HUD
F-15C_ M61A1 Vulcan Cannon and AIM-9M Sidewinder

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

SOLO )Head-up Display (HUD
Military aircraft specific applications

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.
SOLO Airborne Radars

F-15 Head Up Display (HUD) Data at Different Mission Modes

http://www.ausairpower.net/Profile-F-15A-D.html
SOLO )Head-Mounted Display (HMD
Types
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
SOLO )Head-Mounted Display (HMD

Normal Helmet Functions

Typical Optical Configurations

SOLO )Head-Mounted Display (HMD

Typical HMD System Configurations

SOLO )Head-Mounted Display (HMD

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

SOLO
Helmet Sights

50
Return to TOC
SOLO
Aircraft Avionics
Aircraft Avionics provides the following functions to the pilot:
• Communication (internal and external)
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
51
Modern Aircraft (see F-22, F-35). Return to TOC
SOLO
Aircraft Avionics
Aircraft Avionics provides the following functions to the pilot:
• Flight Control
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.

52
SOLO
Aircraft Avionics
Task Automation
• House Keeping Management

- Fuel System Management

- Electrical Power Supply System Management
- Hydraulic Power Supply System Management
- Environmental Control System
- Warning Systems
- Maintenance & Monitoring Systems

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

55
McDonnell Douglass F-4 Phantom All Weather Fighter - Bomber
 Third Generation Avionics

56
McDonnell Douglass F-4B Phantom Instrument Panel
 Third Generation Avionics

57
McDonnell Douglass F-4 Phantom Cockpit
 McDonnell Douglass F-4 Phantom Avionics
• 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
58
 Third Generation Avionics

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

59
McDonnell Douglass F-4 Phantom Instrument Panel
 Third Generation Avionics
Return to TOC

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.
60
Westinghouse APQ-120 Radar in the Nose of McDonnell Douglass F-4 Phantom
 Fourth Generation Avionics

61
General Dynamics F-16
Return to Table of Content
SOLO Fourth Generation Avionics
Airborne Radars
F-16 C/D

62
F-16 Cockpit, avionics and radar, Movie F-16 Integrated Sensor Suite - Northrop Grumman, Movie
SOLO Fourth Generation Avionics
Airborne Radars F-16 Air-to-Air Modes

63
SOLO Fourth Generation Avionics
Airborne Radars F-16 Air-to-Air Modes

64
SOLO Fourth Generation Avionics
Airborne Flight Controllers
F-16 Throttle Grip &
Side-Stick Controller

65
SOLO Fourth Generation Avionics

Airborne Radars F-16 Display

66
SOLO Fourth Generation Avionics
  
Airborne Radars F-16 Display

67
SOLO Fourth Generation Avionics
  
Airborne Radars F-16 Display

68
SOLO Fourth Generation Avionics
  
Airborne Radars F-16 Air-to-Air Modes

69
SOLO Fourth Generation Avionics
  

Airborne Radars F-16 Air-to-Air Modes

70
 Fourth Generation Avionics

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2845813/posts
71
Return to Table of Content
SOLO Fourth Generation Avionics F-15 Eagle   
Airborne Radars
Spick M., “The Great Book of Modern Warplanes”, Salamander, 2003

The F-15 cockpit is a vast improvement on the 
Comparison of the F-15A standard AN/APG- 63  highly complex F-4 but not as advanced as 
(top) and the PSP –modified for F-15C 72
the F-18 which almost totally replaces 
analogue instruments with multi-function 
SOLO Fourth Generation Avionics
Airborne Cockpit

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. 

International Defence Review, 
Combat Aircraft, Special series, 
2/1975

73
SOLO Fourth Generation Avionics
Airborne Radars

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

http://www.f-15estrikeeagle.com/technology/avionics/radar/radar.htm
75
SOLO Fourth Generation Avionics

F-15C AN/APG-63 Pulse-Doppler Tutorial 1, Movie
F-15C AN/APG-63 Pulse-Doppler Tutorial 2, Movie

http://www.f-15estrikeeagle.com/technology/avionics/radar/radar.htm
76
Fourth Generation Avionics

77
SOLO Fourth Generation Avionics
  
Airborne Cockpit
Cockpit F18, Movie

78
http://www.ausairpower.net/TE-Fighter-Cockpits.html F18 Carrier Landing Cockpit View, Movie
SOLO Fourth Generation Avionics
Airborne Radars
F-18 Displays

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. 79
http://www.ausairpower.net/TE-Fighter-Cockpits.html
SOLO Fourth Generation Avionics
Airborne Cockpit

F-18 Cockpit – New Design 80
http://www.ausairpower.net/TE-Fighter-Cockpits.html
SOLO Fourth Generation Avionics
Airborne Cockpit
CAESAR AESA (EF-2000 Tranch3, post-2015 with 1,500 
T/Rs)

For RCS 0.0001 m2 class target: 18~21 km+
For RCS 0.001 m2 class target: 32~38 km+
For RCS 0.1 m2 class target: 104~122 km+
For RCS 1.0 m2 class target: 185~216 km+
For RCS 5.0 m2 class target: 278~324 km+
For RCS 10.0 m2 class target: 330~385 km+

Source: 
http://www.defence.pk/forums/air-warfare/20908-rcs-differen

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
81
SOLO Fourth Generation Avionics
Airborne Cockpit

Eurofighter Typhoon Avionics Architecture 82
SOLO Fourth Generation Avionics
  

Airborne Cockpits
KnAAPO/Sukhoi Su-30MKK Crew Stations 

Pilot Co-Pilot

83
http://www.ausairpower.net/APA-Flanker.html Return to TOC
SOLO Generation Avionics 4.5
  
Airborne Radars F-16

84
SOLO Generation Avionics 4.5

85
SOLO Generation Avionics 4.5
F-15SE

86
SOLO Generation Avionics 4.5
F-15SE

87
SOLO Generation Avionics 4.5
Airborne Cockpits

http://4flying.com/showthread.php?t=81841
 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- 88
on-throttle-and-stick (HOTAS) controls.
 Generation Avionics 4.5
Airborne Cockpits

JAS-39 Gripen Cockpit

http://military-photo.blogspot.co.il/2008/12/jas39-cockpit-picture.html
89
SOLO Generation Avionics 4.5
  
Airborne Cockpits
Flanker (Sukhoi Su –35) Cockpit

http://www.ausairpower.net/APA-2008-04.html 90
Return to TOC The New SU-35S, Movie
 Fifth Generation Avionics

91
Lockeed Martin F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II, Movie
SOLO Fifth Generation Avionics
F-22 Raptor

92
SOLO Fifth Generation Avionics F-22 Raptor
Airborne Radars http://www.f-22raptor.com/af_radar.php

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 transmit\receive 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 
93
Field of View (FOV) of a phased array antenna is 120° (60° left and 60° right. 60° up and 60° down). 
SOLO Fifth Generation Avionics F-22 Raptor
Airborne Radars
The most advanced AESA radar program is 
Northrop-Grumman AN\APG-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
http://igorrgroup.blogspot.co.il/2009/08/aesa-radars-for-fighters-brief-review.html
SOLO Fifth Generation Avionics

F-22 Avionics F-22 Raptor

95
SOLO Fifth Generation Avionics
F-22 Avionics F-22 Raptor

96
SOLO Fifth Generation Avionics
F-22 Avionics F-22 Raptor

FA 22 Raptor cockpit, Movie 

97
SOLO Fifth Generation Avionics F-22 Raptor
Airborne Radars

US Air Force F-22 Avionics Architecture
98
Return to Table of Content

IEEE Aerospace & Electronic System Magazine, Jubilee Issue, October 2000
SOLO Fifth Generation Avionics

F-22 Avionics F-22 Raptor

99
SOLO Fifth Generation Avionics

F-22 Avionics F-22 Raptor

F22 Top Level Avionics Architecture

100
SOLO Fifth Generation Avionics

F-22 Avionics F-22 Raptor

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

101
SOLO Fifth Generation Avionics

F-22 Avionics F-22 Raptor

F22 EW Aperture
102
SOLO Fifth Generation Avionics
Airborne Cockpits F-22 Raptor

Flight International
9-15 April 1997

103
F22 Displays Schematic
SOLO Fifth Generation Avionics
Lockheed_Martin_F-35_Lightning_II

104
SOLO Fifth Generation Avionics
Lockheed_Martin_F-35_Lightning_II

105
 Fifth Generation Avionics
Lockheed_Martin_F-35_Lightning_II
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) Armament
• Powerplant: 1 × Pratt & Whitney F135 afterburning • Guns: 1 × General Dynamics GAU-22/A Equalizer 25 m
turbofan (0.984 in) 4-barreled gatling cannon, internally mounted with
Dry thrust: 28,000 lbf (125 kN) 180 rounds
Thrust with afterburner: 43,000 lbf (191 kN) • Hardpoints: 6 × external pylons on wings with a capacity of
• Internal fuel capacity: 18,480 lb (8,382 kg) 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
Performance provisions to carry combinations of:
Missiles:
• Maximum speed: Mach 1.6+ (1,200 mph, 1,930 km/h)
Air-to-air missiles:
(Tested to Mach 1.61) AIM-120 AMRAAM
• Range: 1,200 nmi (2,220 km) on internal fuel AIM-9X Sidewinder
• Combat radius: 584 nmi (1,080 km) on internal fuel IRIS-T
• Service ceiling: 60,000 ft [350]
(18,288 m) (Tested to 43,000 ft) MBDA Meteor (Pending further funding)
• Rate of climb: classified (not publicly available) JDRADM (after 2020)
Air-to-surface missiles:
• Wing loading: 91.4 lb/ft² (446 kg/m²)
AGM-154 JSOW
• Thrust/weight: AGM-158 JASSM
With full fuel: 0.87 Brimstone missile
With 50% fuel: 1.07 Joint Air-to-Ground Missile
• g-Limits: 9 g Storm Shadow missile
SOM 106
Anti-ship missiles:
SOLO Fifth Generation Avionics
Lockheed_Martin_F-35_Lightning_II

107
SOLO Fifth Generation Avionics
Lockheed_Martin_F-35_Lightning_II

108
F35 Pave Pace Integrated RF Architecture
SOLO Fifth Generation Avionics
Lockheed_Martin_F-35_Lightning_II

109
F35 Pave Pace Shared Architecture, RF Architecture
SOLO Fifth Generation Avionics
Lockheed_Martin_F-35_Lightning_II

110
SOLO Fifth Generation Avionics F-35 Data Fused Sensors, Movie
Lockheed_Martin_F-35_Lightning_II

111
Fifth Generation Avionics

112
 Fifth Generation Avionics
Lockheed_Martin_F-35_Lightning_II

113
 Fifth Generation Avionics

F-35_Lightning_II Avionics

F-35_Lightning_II Cockpit

Northrop Grumman AN/APG-81 AESA Radar

114
 Fifth Generation Avionics
Lockheed_Martin_F-35_Lightning_II F-35 JSF-Radar Movie, Movie

115
 Fifth Generation Avionics
Lockheed_Martin_F-35_Lightning_II

116
SOLO Fifth Generation Avionics
Lockheed_Martin_F-35_Lightning_II F-35 EO DAS Movie

117
SOLO Fifth Generation Avionics
Lockheed_Martin_F-35_Lightning_II F-35 Glass Cockpit, Movie

118
SOLO Fifth Generation Avionics
Lockheed_Martin_F-35_Lightning_II

119
SOLO Fifth Generation Avionics
Lockheed_Martin_F-35_Lightning_II

120
SOLO Fifth Generation Avionics
Lockheed_Martin_F-35_Lightning_II

121
SOLO Fifth Generation Avionics
Lockheed_Martin_F-35_Lightning_II

122
SOLO Fifth Generation Avionics
Lockheed_Martin_F-35_Lightning_II

123
SOLO Fifth Generation Avionics
Lockheed_Martin_F-35_Lightning_II

124
SOLO Fifth Generation Avionics

Lockheed_Martin_F-35_Lightning_II

125
SOLO Fifth Generation Avionics

126
SOLO Jet Fighter Generations
Generations Comparison

127
SOLO
Fighter Aircraft Avionics

Go to Fighter Aircraft Avionics Part II

128
SOLO
Fighter Aircraft Avionics
References
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, “Military Avionics Systems”, John Wiley & Sons, LTD.,
2006
Ian Moir, Allan Seabridge, “Aircraft Systems, Mechanical, Electrical and Avionics
Subsystem Integration”, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., 3th Ed., 2008

129
SOLO
Fighter Aircraft Avionics
References (continue – 1)
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”

130
SOLO
Fighter Aircraft Avionics
References (continue – 2)

S. Hermelin, “Spherical Trigonometry”

S. Hermelin, “Modern Aircraft Cutaway”

131
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

132