I was wondering what is this?

flyingdonkey · by **flyingdonkey** » 04 Jan 2009, 11:54

When I was surf'n the net, I found the picture I attached.
Simply, I was wondering what this equipment was.

Oh, I don't know whether the equipment under the raptor in the picture is classified. If so, well I will not expect any kinds of reply.

Let me know the link if this is a sort of duplicated post.

boff180 · by **boff180** » 04 Jan 2009, 13:25

RCS enhancer.

Allows for the Raptor to be seen on radar when not on "operational" sorties.

Andy

flyingdonkey · by **flyingdonkey** » 04 Jan 2009, 20:07

boff180 wrote:RCS enhancer.

Allows for the Raptor to be seen on radar when not on "operational" sorties.

Andy

First off, thank you for reply. If that is RCS enhancer, there still remains a question. Some of raptors don't have it in training flights.

Secondly, even though that is so small, such small equipment will increase radar reflection SENSITIVELY. If that is a RCS enhancer, in real sorties, do they will detach the equipment?

That_Engine_Guy · by **That_Engine_Guy** » 04 Jan 2009, 22:20

Just like the "reflectors" that were installed on the F-117; back in the day... :roll:

LmRaptor · by **LmRaptor** » 04 Jan 2009, 22:32

It is what is known as a Luneburg lens radar reflector. In real sorties the F-22 wouldn't use the Luneburg lens radar reflector - and it can most likely jetison it while in flight.

That_Engine_Guy · by **That_Engine_Guy** » 04 Jan 2009, 22:52

Cool; I just learned something today!

Read all about the theory here: http://www.mayurakshi.net/luneberg.htm

flyingdonkey · by **flyingdonkey** » 05 Jan 2009, 06:24

thanks gozillan.
I already knew the lens but it was not identified by myself.
So cool.
thanks a LOT! again.

PhillyGuy · by **PhillyGuy** » 06 Jan 2009, 10:07

Those three rather distinct pieces of equipment in each of the bays would presumable be the AIM-120 attachment points/pneumatic actuators?

SnakeHandler · by **SnakeHandler** » 06 Jan 2009, 12:08

dougiefresh · by **dougiefresh** » 14 Jan 2009, 09:27

so the white "box" looking things in the first are called AVELs (can't remember what it means right now). They are connection points for the 120s. Everything else around it are just ECS lines and electrical this and that. The thing in the second picture is an RCS enhancer, but it does not jettison off. It is just bolted on and comes off rather easily when needed to remove.