Air-To-Ground Attack Fighter Improvements Through Multi-Function Nozzles

The benefits of pitch/yaw thrust vectoring and/or thrust reversing multi-function nozzles (MFN) for fighter type aircraft have been identified relative to the air-to-air mission in several previous papers. This paper will point out those previously noted payoffs which also apply to air-to-ground attack fighters. It will also present a detailed description of air-to-ground unique multi-function nozzle benefits. Specific treatment will be given to close air support, battlefield interdiction, suppression of enemy air defenses, and deep strike missions. MFN contributions to air-to-ground survivability and effectiveness will be emphasized relative to the critical aspects of basing, ingress, target attack, self defense, egress and recovery. Actual air-to-ground attack historical data will be employed as it is applicable to this discussion.