Boeing has started yet another battery of tests for the KC-46A, the new US REVO plane. This time the KC-46 went to an anechoic chamber to test the aircraft's electrical systems and how they are affected by electromagnetic waves.
In this test, Boeing measures the effectiveness of the electromagnetic shielding of the electrical components, as well as measures the electromagnetic emissions control of the aircraft's electrical systems, to check whether the aircraft is not as vulnerable to attacks made by detecting dissipated energy.
To that the shield follows the standards set out in the design, Boeing bombards the plane with a high-intensity electromagnetic radiation field, simulating the worst conditions it can experience.
The KC-46A needs to be fully armored against electromagnetic attacks, which can even paralyze the activities of an Air Force, as well as cause accidents when in flight. KC cannot even suffer performance degradation during testing.
Tests are being carried out at the USAF, through the 772nd Test Squadron, this is the largest anechoic chamber in the world and s the majority of aircraft within this location. There it is possible to test conditions of electronic warfare at any desired level, the giant hangar is covered by pyramids of polyurethane and polyethylene, designed to end the reflections of electromagnetic waves, and avoid resonances.
The KC-46A is a new aircraft designed for the USAF, it will replace part of the KC-135 Stratotanker that are based on the Boeing 707 (Dash 80). With the new aircraft, the US will be able to have a tanker with greater flight autonomy, greater fuel transfer capacity and also greater economy, since the more up-to-date design of the KC-46A reduces the costs of each flight.
Testing the electromagnetic protection of an Air Force aircraft is extremely important. Electromagnetic pulse weapons, with the intention of neutralizing the adversary's technologies, are already real in our world, in addition, the USAF could remain completely on the ground if a large solar storm decided to reach planet Earth, putting the United States in a situation of danger.
In all, the KC-46A will be equipped with four refueling hoses, two located on the tail and two on the wingtips. Flight and communication systems were upgraded. The aircraft is also capable of carrying cargo or engers, and even has both at the same time, increasing its versatility in the US Air Force.
Via – USAF
