Rotorcraft Integrated Electro-Optic/Infrared (EO/IR) Plumes and Effects Signature Modeling

With the advanced testing at NAWCAD/Pax of the CH53K underway, and the progressing multi-service Future Vertical Lift (FVL) initiative, there is clear need for modernized and rotorcraft-specific EO/IR signature and susceptibility modeling tools. Moreover, these tools must possess trustworthy validation and be acknowledged as reference standards if they are to be accepted by and serve NAVAIR and DoD survivability groups. We propose to design, develop and deliver SPIRITS PLUS (Plume and LIDAR Upgrades for SPIRITS), an upgraded SPIRITS model with greatly-improved capability to model the signature effects of rotorcraft downwash and exhaust plume, and of laser radar. SPIRITS is nationally recognized and enjoys a long and broad history of validation against DoD and military systems. Our proposed effort brings together Aerodyne, developer of SPIRITS, Continuum Dynamics, Inc., nationally recognized experts in rotorcraft CFD, and Dr. Paul Markarian, developer of SPURC. The Phase 2 deliverable will be tested, documented, and ready for validation against field data, and will be suitable for furnishing to a Government Configuration Control Authority (CCA) for distribution and sustenance. It will also include software and version control modernization to enable the CCA to support a “continuous-release” cycle of incremental accrual and distribution of community-contributed enhancements.