There is a great need for advanced infrared signature suppression systems in the u.s. marine corps. The existance of these signatures make the associated weapon system vulnerable to enemy attack. Most ir suppression systems available today are bulky, heavy and unacceptable for most applications especially aircraft. This effort will focus on building thermal signature suppression systems into high performance materials such as advanced composite structures. The method of suppression will be passive in nature and involve the rapid dispersion of heat so as to lower overall temperatures and to eliminate the appearance of hot spots. Aircraft structures fabricated from composite materials where the reinforcement for the composite will have extremely high thermal conductivity will be developed. The composites will not only have excellent mechanical properties but will also be able to disperse large amounts of heat, rapidly.
