Masters Theses
Date of Award
5-1989
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Major
Aviation Systems
Major Professor
Clarence F. Watts
Committee Members
Donald D. Tippett
Abstract
Modern military aircraft rely heavily on highly complex electronic systems to make them effective weapons in a world filled with equally sophisticated counter systems. These components can add up to as much as 80% of the aircraft pricetag. As new systems are developed, numerous tests are necessary to provide feedback in the iterative design process and to ensure that design parameters are met. Unfortunately, little has been written on the techniques for testing these systems. Even today, test pilot training programs stress aircraft performance and handling qualities testing while the majority of test work revolves around avionics testing. On the job training reduces the new test pilot's effectiveness during his first few projects until he develops his own test techniques or is taught them by his predecessors (if he is lucky). This thesis is an attempt to put in print the rudimentary knowledge necessary for a test pilot or engineer to develop and execute a cheap and quick test of a modern air to air and/or air to ground radar. A basic knowledge of radar theory and the characteristics of the test article are assumed. All the techniques presented are as simple as possible and require a minimum of outside assets. Better and more exact methods exist, however most merely involve scaling up the techniques presented here, usually in the form of more sophisticated and precise truth data (time/space positioning data, telemetry, onboard instrumentation, etc.). Using the methods presented here, the test pilot should be able, in just one or two flights, to make a good qualitative assessment of the radar and have adequate numerical data to back up his assessment. Although not suitable in some developmental and scientific test programs, this level of data accuracy is often sufficient in evaluation programs. The text format is designed with this purpose in mind. General radar theory necessary for all the tests is provided at the beginning of the text. For each test, a purpose is provided along with a general discussion and any specialized theory. Next, the instrumentation and data requirements are listed followed by the test procedures and techniques. Finally, data reduction and data presenta tion are discussed. With the exception of the radar theory presented in the first section, each test is written as a stand alone document that can be pulled out and used individually.
Recommended Citation
Clifton, James Michael, "Techniques for testing air to air and air to ground radars. " Master's Thesis, University of Tennessee, 1989.
https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_gradthes/12919
