Vulnerability Reduction Features for Commercial Derivative Combat Aircraft

*† ‡ High Value Airborne Assets (HVAAs), developed from commercial derivative aircraft, are designed to perform critical functions as part of U. S. battle forces but lack vulnerability reduction features that could significantly improve their survivability. While Services depend on threat range, supporting defensive aircraft and electronic countermeasures to defend these aircraft, some basic vulnerability reduction features could greatly enhance their survivability. This paper provides an argument for incorporating vulnerability reduction into HVAA designs and describes technologies that can be practically implemented. Data from the Multi-mission Maritime Aircraft (MMA) Program is provided to support this concept.