LOW ALTITUDE AIRCRAFT DETECTION PROBABILITY.
Abstract
The probability of fighter aircraft penetrating an area at low altitude being visually detected by patrolling interceptors was evaluated 9 through 14 August 1965. Two different test sites were chosen to include the maximum number of terrain enviornments. These sites were located at MacDill AFB (swampy and forested tterrain) and George AFB (desert and mountainous terrain). It was determined that uncamouflaged single aircraft and single aircraft camouflaged to blend in with the terrain environment can penetrate with a high percentage of success through an area patrolled by interceptor aircraft. As the number of aircraft in a given penetration is increased, the probability of successful penetration is decreased. The percentages of successful penetrations by type were: single aircraft (camouflaged) - 72%; single aircraft (uncamouflaged) - 81%; two aircraft element - 53%; four aircraft flight - 40%; and overall percentage of sucessful penetrations - 56%. The F-4C airborne radar is not effective in initial detection of low altitude aircraft (50-500 feet) when interceptors patrol at 6000 feet. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0366220
Entities
People
- Nathan H. Reynard