MOBILITY ENGINEERING Produced by SAE Media Group
MOBILITY ENGINEERING
Magazines
Magazine cover

Current Issue

Archives

Magazine cover

Current Issue

Archives

Magazine cover

Current Issue

Archives

Magazine cover

Current Issue

Archives

Infrared Systems for Tactical Aviation: An Evolution in Military Affairs?

Understanding how the chaotic evolutionary development of infrared (IR) systems for tactical aviation compares to the more traditional development of radar systems could result in flexible development systems that more easily adapt to uncertain security conditions.

The concept of using natural evolution to understand how modern organizations adapt to a chaotic, rapidly changing world situation is popular in the business world. This research examines whether the chaotic evolutionary development model is pertinent to the U.S. military’s ability to adapt to prevailing national security conditions in the twenty-first century. In particular, it examines the evolutionary development of infrared (IR) systems for tactical aviation to understand how the natural evolution model can be applied to the development of military systems, and how that compares with the more traditional development of radar systems.

Evolutionary development is based on using continuous experimentation and adaptation in changing circumstances to reward success, while allowing, but eventually eliminating, failure. Since this approach is agile, flexible, quick reacting, and thrives on change, it contrasts with strategic planning in which systems are developed in a planned and orderly fashion to meet future requirements. A planned system is rigid, slow to react, and resists or ignores change, which contrasts with how the military traditionally develops weapon systems.

One word that distinguishes between evolutionary and planned development is “chaos.” Chaos, like risk, is unavoidable, and hence should be managed rather than avoided. Indeed, a certain degree of chaos is desirable because it generates the necessary set of adaptations and ideas that can eventually be “selected” for evolutionary improvement. The Darwinian concept of “survival of the fittest” can be applied to ideas, systems, and organizations that seek to maintain a competitive advantage.

A simple example that illustrates this line of thinking is IBM’s failure to anticipate the switch from mainframe computers and remote terminals to smaller, standalone, personal computers, which often is cited as an example of poor strategic planning. In terms of an evolutionary paradigm, the argument is that it was so impossible for IBM to logically deduce such a radical development that no strategic plan could have succeeded. Instead of focusing on poor planning, an important conclusion for IBM is to develop an organization that is sufficiently chaotic to develop all relevant fields, while adapting quickly when the “fittest” systems survive. Since chaos is not usually associated with IBM’s culture in the 1980’s, its failure is not surprising from an evolutionary standpoint. If we substitute the Department of Defense (DoD) for IBM and the fall of the Berlin Wall for the computer revolution, a similar story emerges for national security. The argument is that the radical shift to an information-based society might provide a better guide for military modernization.

The two critical terms here are “chaotic” and “evolutionary.” Chaotic does not imply total unpredictability or “a state of utter confusion,” but should be thought of in terms of the science of chaos theory in which order and stability can be derived from inherently unpredictable states. It is useful, therefore, to think of chaotic as “unplanned” or “other than planned.” At the same time, evolutionary development does not necessarily imply a “process of gradual and relatively peaceful advance,” but is the adaptation of systems to a changing environment by an unbiased selection process that rewards success. It can lead to radical, as well as gradual, shifts in a system.

To understand the potential of chaotic evolutionary development, consider the historical example of military systems whose development exhibited chaotic evolutionary traits, specifically the development of infrared systems for tactical aviation. First, the development of IR systems proceeded in a relatively unplanned manner and exhibited many chaotic and evolutionary aspects. Second, IR systems are relevant to current U.S. Air Force (USAF) operations. Third, IR systems can be examined in terms of combat, which is the ultimate test of military systems. Fourth, and perhaps most importantly, the evolutionary development of IR systems can be compared with the more traditional development of radar systems, which also exploit the electromagnetic spectrum for many of the same military tasks.

This work was done by George B. Hept, Lieutenant Colonel, USAF, for the Air War College. For more information, download the Technical Support Package below. AFIT-0003

Topics:
Radar/LiDAR Systems Aerospace Aircraft Analysis methodologies Defense industry Electronic equipment Failure analysis Military aircraft Optical Components Optics Photonics RF & Microwave Electronics Radar Research and development Vehicles
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Document cover
Infrared Systems for Tactical Aviation: An Evolution in Military Affairs?

(reference AFIT-0003) is currently available for download from the TSP library.

Don't have an account?

More From SAE Media Group

    Magazine cover
    Aerospace & Defense Technology Magazine

    This article first appeared in the February, 2022 issue of Aerospace & Defense Technology Magazine (Vol. 7 No. 1).

    Read more articles from this issue here.

    Read more articles from the archives here.

    Overview

    The document titled "Infrared Systems for Tactical Aviation: An Evolution in Military Affairs?" by Lieutenant Colonel George B. Hept examines the development and impact of infrared (IR) systems in military aviation, particularly in the context of the U.S. military's adaptation to evolving national security challenges in the twenty-first century.

    The study begins by discussing the concept of chaotic evolutionary development, which is increasingly relevant in modern organizational theory, especially within the military. It posits that understanding how organizations adapt to chaotic environments can provide insights into the evolution of military technologies. The author argues that the chaotic evolution of IR systems has significantly influenced contemporary air operations, contrasting this with the more traditional development of radar systems.

    The document is structured into several sections, starting with an introduction to the electromagnetic spectrum and its implications for military operations. It then delves into the operational implications of IR systems, highlighting their advantages in tactical aviation, such as enhanced target detection and engagement capabilities. The author discusses current technologies in tactical aviation, emphasizing the importance of IR systems in modern warfare.

    A key focus of the study is the concept of natural evolution in the development of military systems. The author suggests that applying this model to IR systems can lead to more flexible and adaptive development processes, which are crucial in uncertain security environments. The paper also explores how these evolutionary principles might be applied to the broader Revolution in Military Affairs, which seeks to leverage technological advancements to transform military operations.

    In conclusion, the study underscores the importance of understanding the evolutionary development of IR systems as a means to enhance military effectiveness. It advocates for a shift towards more adaptive and responsive development strategies that can better meet the challenges posed by rapidly changing security conditions. The insights provided in this document are intended to inform military leaders and strategists about the potential benefits of embracing evolutionary models in the development of military technologies.

    Overall, the document serves as a comprehensive analysis of the role of infrared systems in tactical aviation and their implications for military strategy and operations in a complex and dynamic security landscape.

    Top Stories

    INSIDERRF & Microwave Electronics

    Feature Image FAA to Replace Aging Network of Ground-Based Radars

    PodcastsDefense

    Feature Image A New Additive Manufacturing Accelerator for the U.S. Navy in Guam

    NewsSoftware

    Feature Image Rewriting the Engineer’s Playbook: What OEMs Must Do to Spin the AI Flywheel

    Road ReadyPower

    Feature Image 2026 Toyota RAV4 Review: All Hybrid, All the Time

    INSIDERDefense

    Feature Image F-22 Pilot Controls Drone With Tablet

    INSIDERRF & Microwave Electronics

    Feature Image L3Harris Starts Low Rate Production Of New F-16 Viper Shield

    Webcasts