Fighter Jets

Physical Properties Systems

Mass properties instruments are used to measure and assess the weight distribution, center of gravity, and moments of inertia of fighter jets. This information is crucial for ensuring the stability, maneuverability, and overall performance of the aircraft. Mass properties instruments help in optimizing the aircraft’s design, balance, and control characteristics. Types of products requiring mass properties measurements include:

• Airframe: fuselage, wings, tail, control surfaces (rudders, flaps, ailerons)
• Airborne Cameras and Sensors
• Engines: main engines, auxiliary power unit (APU), fan blades, turbine blades
• Weapons and Stores: missiles, bombs, external fuel tanks
• Landing Gear: main landing gear and nose landing gear

Igniter Circuit Testers

Specific systems and components requiring igniter circuit testers may vary depending on the model and its engine configuration. Igniter circuit testers are used as diagnostic tools to test the circuits and functionality of squibs throughout airframes.

Here are some examples:

• Ignition System: igniters or critical firing circuits
• Fire Suppression Systems

Pressure and Temperature Systems

Pressure, temperature, torque, and force measurement instruments are used in the support of fighter jets to test, monitor and calibrate various parameters to ensure their reliable operation. They help detect and address any abnormal values that may indicate mechanical or operational issues. Accurate measurements from these instruments help maintain optimal performance and safety.

Some fighter jet systems requiring these instruments include:

• Engine
• Avionics Systems
• Flight Instruments
• Weapons Systems
• Pilot oxygen systems
• Hydraulic Systems
• Maintenance Tools and Equipment

Instrument Cleaning and Contamination Prevention

Fighter jets operate in demanding environments, which can lead to the buildup of contamination on instruments and sensors. Proper cleaning and contamination control measures are crucial to ensure the accurate functioning of these instruments. Regular cleaning and maintenance help prevent sensor malfunctions, inaccuracies, and failures, ensuring reliable operation of the fighter jet. Products requiring cleaning include:

• Cockpit Instruments: flight instruments, navigation systems, communication devices
• Avionics Systems: radar systems, electronic warfare systems, communication systems, navigation systems. systems.
• Pilot breathing oxygen systems
• Optics and Cameras: targeting pods, night vision systems, and cameras.
• Sensors: airspeed sensors, altitude sensors, angle of attack sensors.
• Weapon Systems: missiles, bombs, guns

Avionics Systems

Air data test and calibration systems are essential for ensuring the accurate and reliable operation of the aircraft’s air data systems. Regular calibration and verification of these systems help maintain flight safety and provide pilots with accurate flight parameters for effective decision-making. Types of products that require air data test and calibration include:

• Pitot-Static System: pitot tubes, static ports, pressure sensors
• Angle of Attack (AoA) Sensors: measure the angle between the aircraft’s longitudinal axis and the oncoming airflow
• Air Data Probes: alpha probe and beta probe

RF Systems

Radar cross section, material and antenna measurements are critical aspects of stealth technology applied to fighter jets. By incorporating RCS measurement techniques into these products, the fighter jet can significantly enhance its stealth capabilities and reduce its detectability by radar systems:

• Airframe
• External Stores: weapons, fuel tanks, additional equipment mounted on the fighter jet’s external hardpoints
• Antennas: communication antennas, radar antennas, and electronic warfare antennas
• Canopy and Cockpit
• Wing and Control Surfaces
• Internal Structure: support frames, bulkheads, equipment installations

Thermal Systems

Heat flux sensors, infrared radiometers, and thermocouples are used in fighter jets to monitor and assess thermal conditions. They help detect and manage issues such as excessive heat generation, thermal stress, or cooling inefficiencies. By providing real-time temperature data and heat transfer measurements, these sensors contribute to the safe and effective operation of the fighter jet.

• Engine
• Exhaust System
• Thermal Protection System
• Avionics and Electronics
• Weapon Systems
• Aircraft Structure
• Environmental Control System