LO weapons systems such as the F-117 and the B-2 bomber depend on stealthiness for protection against air defense systems. Maintaining their LO signature integrity is critical for these systems to be successful. Unfortunately this can be not only time consuming, but also expensive.

In 1997, the Materials and Manufacturing Directorate's Nondestructive Evaluation Branch began research activities in nondestructive evaluation of LO materials under the Low Observable Non-sdestructive Evaluation program. Of the four origi- nal technology concepts, Lockheed Martin Skunk Works' MM-704A was singled out as a possible solution for the Air Combat Commands' requirement for a replacement of their current inspection tool, the JOST gun.

According to the Air Force, the MM-704A is user friendly, lightweight, portable, battery operated, multifunctional, and - with some software changes - can be used on multiple platforms. The tool is designed to assist maintenance personnel in evaluating various LO components in realtime. The information provided by the tool will assure LO engineers and maintenance personnel that repairs have been performed correctly.

Inspectors at the 49th Fighter Wing found the MM-704A's utility to be quite good. In a recent exercise, the fighter wing was able to complete a quick readiness evaluation of 15 aircraft in a period of 1.5 days using only one tool. The tool's multifuncitonal capability, quick warm-up, easy calibration, and the ability to mount the sensor on an extension pole that can reach any location of the aircraft from the ground, contributed to the quick turnaround.

Aerospace Engineering June 2000