Question

What is an IR signature of an aircraft?

(a) Total of detectable emissions and reflections

(b) Sum of some emissions only

(c) Only reflections

(d) Only refraction

This question was addressed to me in homework.

Origin of the question is Configuration Layout Considerations in section Configuration Layout Considerations of Aircraft Design

Answer 1

The correct option is (a) Total of detectable emissions and reflections

For explanation I would say: Total of detectable and reflections can be called as an IR signature. This signature is used for tracking and detecting the aircraft. An aircraft’s IR signature is complex mixture of reflections and emission of various components.