General Electric Infrared Suppressors for the Black Hawk Helicopter

The Aircraft Engine Group of the General Electric Company has designed and developed a cruise operation infrared (IR) suppressor for the YUH-60A Black Hawk helicopter, under contract to Sikorsky Aircraft Company. This report summarizes the maturity program phase, during which a demonstrator design was refined for production. Infrared (IR) suppression has been added to Black Hawk propulsion systems as shown in Figure 1 to counter the threat of heat seeking missiles. Engine suppressors mask the helicopter's most prominent source of IR emissions, on which such missiles home. As prime Black Hawk contractor, Sikorsky set aircraft and system requirements while GE contributed mechanical and aero/thermo details of the mate-up. The design is based on GE concepts for a passive suppressor (i.e., no fans, pumps, motors, or moving parts), operating on ram pressure in forward flight. IR signature for Black Hawk suppressors is specified for a cruise velocity design point of 4000 ft. altitude, 95° F day, max. continuous power (MCP) .