Abstract: An InfraRed Suppression System (IRSS) vectors engine exhaust flow away from the exhaust manifold plane, the high aspect ratio exhaust duct defined as a ratio of a maximum nozzle length to a maximum nozzle width, the ratio greater than 2:1.

Abstract: An InfraRed Suppression System includes a high aspect ratio exhaust duct which vectors a high temperature engine exhaust flow.

Abstract: An InfraRed Suppression System (IRSS) vectors engine exhaust flow away from the exhaust manifold plane, the high aspect ratio exhaust duct defined as a ratio of a maximum nozzle length to a maximum nozzle width, the ratio greater than 2:1.

Abstract: An InfraRed Suppression System (IRSS) includes an exhaust manifold and a high aspect ratio exhaust duct along a longitudinal length thereof. The IRSS minimizes impingement of engine exhaust onto adjacent aircraft structure by discharging the flow upwardly and/or outwardly, away from the fuselage at relatively high velocity to reduce fuselage heating due to plume impingement in both hover and forward flight thus minimizing fuselage IR signature contributions. Furthermore, by directing the exhaust stream upward, a direct line of sight to the exhausted IR energy is masked from ground threats. The high aspect ratio exhaust duct and exhaust manifold are also preferably shrouded by an aerodynamic fairing which provides an aerodynamic contour to minimize aerodynamic impact to the aircraft and defines an air-cooled ejector gap to augment airflow to further insulate and obscure the high temperature exhaust gas exhausted through the exhaust duct.

Abstract: A communication system is provided for identifying the position of aircraft in a surveillance area. The communication system includes a dual-frequency interrogator which produces two signals at different frequencies. These signals are transmitted over a narrow beam, scanning antenna, the antenna being located within the surveillance area. A transponder is provided on the aircraft with an auxiliary antenna assembly tuned to a frequency equivalent to the difference between the dual frequencies. The transponder produces a signal containing aircraft identification information. A processing unit is co-located on the aircraft with the transponder to receive the two signals transmitted by the interrogator and produce a signal equivalent to the difference between those signals. The difference signal produced by the processing unit is coupled with the transponder and is used to identify the position of aircraft on the ground.

Abstract: An airport vehicle identification system for improving airport traffic management and collision avoidance, includes a ground surveillance radar and a plurality of low power frequency translators located in spaced relationship about the surface of the airport. The radar system transmits a conventional radar signal for target detection and a beacon interrogation signal for target detection. Each translator is designed to bandshift the interrogation signal to a frequency value compatible with the vehicle transponder, and transmit the bandshifted interrogation signal to the vehicle transponder. Each frequency translator is bi-directional and receives a transponder reply signal indicative of vehicle identity and bandshifts the reply signal to a frequency value compatible with the ground surveillance radar and transmits the bandshifted reply signal to the ground radar.