Development of the F-20 Nose Radome,
Abstract
Northrop's newest fighter aircraft, the F-20 Tigershark, is based on the successful aerodynamic design and size of the F-5 Tiger II aircraft. It has a single engine providing 80 percent more thrust than that of the twin-engine Tiger II, digital avionics, and a newly designed AN/APG-67 (V) X-band radar. This coherent pulse-doppler radar provides both look-up and look-down target detection and tracking. Successful operation of this radar necessitated an antenna/radome system which provides low RMS side-lobe levels to minimize false alarm rate in the look-down mode, and high antenna gain/low radome loss to maximize radar range. These system requirements prompted a redesign of the F-5 'Shark Shape' nose section which had been aerodynamically configured to improve the post-stall handling qualities of the Tiger II aircraft. The design change included (1) provisions for a larger radar antenna, (2) a clean radome, i.e., no pitot-static probe, air lines or heater wires, and (3) a blunted radome shape, designed to preserve aerodynamic handling qualities and provide the required electrical characteristics.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1984
- Accession Number
- ADP004374
Entities
People
- E. L. Cain
- P. Tulyathan