Message posted by Peter Merlin (Member since 11/13/2003) on November 22, 2021 at 9:09:33 PST:
It looks similar to the SENIOR SPUD test project. In July 1993 an F-117A was partially coated with a reflective material in an attempt to reduce the aircraft's infrared (IR) signature. Flight testing took place with the F-117A performing various maneuvers in the vicinity of Edwards AFB including low passes over the main runway. IR measurements were taken by sensors onboard the NKC-135A Flying Infrared Signatures Technology Aircraft (FISTA). Photos of the aircraft show what looks like some sort of diffraction grating (what we used to call "spectrum tape" or "rainbow tape" back in the 1970s). I have seen video footage of the flight tests. The coating may have reduced the IR signature, but it increased the visual signature like you wouldn't believe. When the sun struck the coated surface, it lit up like crazy.
In Reply to: Re: Nellis Raptor - updated link posted by 2113 on November 21, 2021 at 18:09:50 PST:
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