Ejectable Stealth Shell for Aircraft Effector

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aircraft without stealth geometry face challenges in reducing radar backscatter cross-section (RBCS) due to external loads, as traditional low-radar-signature containers are bulky, increasing wind resistance and weight, and are difficult to retrofit.

Innovation Solution

An effector with a separable stealth shell that encases the external load, designed to reduce RBCS through radar-absorbing materials and geometry optimization, allowing for a lightweight, non-load-bearing design that can be easily attached and detached, reducing production costs and fuel consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If a low radar-signature weapon container is used to reduce RBCS, then radar detectability is reduced, but volume and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradar detectabilityVSAvoidcontainer volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The stealth shell is divided into multiple segments that can be attached to the effector body in a modular fashion. This segmentation allows the radar-absorbing materials to be applied only where needed for stealth performance, rather than requiring a completely enclosed bulky container, thus reducing overall volume while maintaining low radar signature.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The stealth shell is designed to fit closely around the effector body, with the effector body nested within the shell. This nested configuration minimizes the external volume required while ensuring complete enclosure for radar signature reduction, eliminating the need for excessive clearance space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If a low radar-signature weapon container is used to reduce RBCS, then radar detectability is reduced, but weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradar detectabilityVSAvoidcontainer weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The stealth shell utilizes thin-walled structures with integrated radar-absorbing materials rather than thick, heavy protective containers. The shell is designed to provide stealth functionality through its surface properties and geometry rather than through mass, significantly reducing weight while maintaining low radar signature.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The stealth shell is constructed using composite materials that combine structural support functions with radar-absorbing properties in a single lightweight component. This eliminates the need for separate heavy shielding layers, achieving both structural integrity and stealth performance with minimal weight penalty.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If a fixed stealth shell is attached to the effector body, then RBCS is reduced continuously, but drag increases during flight

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradar detectabilityVSAvoidaerodynamic drag

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The stealth shell is designed with aerodynamic features that allow it to adapt to different flight conditions. The shell's geometry and attachment system enable it to minimize drag during transonic and supersonic flight while maintaining its radar-absorbing properties, transforming from a static stealth structure to a dynamic aerodynamic component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If extensive modifications are made to reduce RBCS of complex loads, then radar detectability is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradar detectabilityVSAvoidmodification complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The stealth shell is designed as a universal attachment that can be applied to various effector bodies without requiring extensive custom modifications to each weapon or payload. The standardized shell design with adaptable mounting systems reduces manufacturing complexity while achieving consistent radar signature reduction across different weapon types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The stealth shell effectively minimizes RBCS by scattering radar waves, reducing wind resistance and weight, thereby enhancing aircraft range and reducing production costs while allowing for easy retrofitting and increased operational flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

The stealth shell is enclosing the effector body (12) at least in part and is embodied so as to be separated from the aircraft (100) and from the effector body (12) during a flight of the aircraft (100).

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadar wave scattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 2

The stealth shell effectively minimizes RBCS by scattering radar waves

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadar absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS9950781B2Effector with ejectable stealth shell

Publication Date: 2018.04.24 AIRBUS DEFENCE & SPACE GMBH

AI summary

An effector for an aircraft has an effector body and a stealth sheath enclosing the effector body at least in part. The stealth shell is attached to the effector body and embodied so as to be separated from the aircraft and from the effector body during flight of the aircraft carrying the effector.