Effect of Hub Fairing Shape on Low Observability of Helicopter: II. RCS; [허브 페어링 형상이 헬리콥터 피탐지성에 미치는 영향: II. RCS]

Abstract

Helicopters are facing increasing threats to their survivability due to their relatively low-speed, low-altitude flight characteristics and advances in detection technology. In particular, Radio Frequency (RF) signals, which can detect flying vehicles in a wide range, are a main factor that can significantly hinder the performance of a helicopter's mission. In this study, we designed the hub fairing shape based on the UH-60A hub and then analyzed the RF low-observable performance depending on the presence and shape of the hub fairing. It was confirmed that the application of the helicopter's hub fairing reduced the Radar Cross Section (RCS) significantly and increased RF low-observable performance. In addition, the effects of the hub fairing on the helicopter's aerodynamic and low observability performance were confirmed through a comprehensive analysis of aerodynamic-noise-RCS observability characteristics. © 2025 The Korean Society for Aeronautical and Space Sciences.