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A very low-flying aircraft may automatically maintain a relatively constant altitude above the ground thanks to a military aerospace technology called terrain-following radar (TFR), which makes it more challenging for an enemy radar to spot them. It is also known as terrain-hugging flight or ground-hugging flight.
Although the phrase “nap of the earth flight” may also be appropriate, it is most frequently used in reference to low-flying military helicopters that do not frequently employ terrain-following radar.
While using a terrain-following radar system, a radar beam is vertically scanned in front of the aircraft, and the distance and angle of the radar reflections are compared to an already-calculated optimum manoeuvring curve.
The Global Terrain Following Radar market accounted for $XX Billion in 2023 and is anticipated to reach $XX Billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of XX% from 2024 to 2030.
Raytheon continued building terrain-following radar for penetrating enemy air defenses.To enable military aircraft to infiltrate enemy territory by concealing in mountain passes, valleys, and inclement weather, Special Operations professionals needed specialised terrain-following radar.
The Silent Knight radar is an above-K-band multi-aircraft terrain-following and terrain-avoidance radar created to let Special Forces planes fly into risky locations at night without being seen and with fewer chances of colliding with the ground while flying at low altitudes.
The Lockheed Martin MC-130J four-engine turboprop, the Boeing MH-47G heavy-lift helicopter, the Sikorsky MH-60M medium-lift helicopter, and the CV-22 block 30 tiltrotor aircraft are all compatible with the system.For missions behind enemy lines, Special Operations commanders need aircraft that can fly stealthily at low altitudes during the night.
The system also provides ground mapping, weather data, and assistance with navigation to aircrews. The radar will be lighter and use less power than its predecessors and will have improved terrain-following and -avoidance capabilities.
To lessen the possibility of being discovered by hostile passive RF receivers, the Quiet Knight radar operates at low power levels. In order to improve pilot situational awareness, the system also includes colour tactical weather data displays.
In essence, the Quiet Knight radar technology enables the MC-130J and other Special Forces aircraft to fly low to the ground, hugging low places in mountain passes, valleys, and other terrain features, even in poor-visibility conditions brought on by nighttime and bad weather.
