In the aerospace context, "pave" can refer to a number of different things. Here are a few examples of how the term "pave" is used in the aerospace industry:
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Paveway is the name of a series of laser-guided bombs developed by the United States military. These bombs use a laser designator to guide them to their target, and they have been used in a number of conflicts around the world.
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Pave Tack is the name of a targeting system used on military aircraft. It consists of a laser designator and a laser rangefinder, and it is used to mark targets for attack by other aircraft or ground-based weapons systems.
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Pave is also a term used to describe the process of paving a runway or other surface with asphalt or other materials. This is done to create a smooth, hard surface that is suitable for aircraft to land on.
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In the aerospace context, PAVE is an acronym that stands for "Precision Avionics Vectoring Equipment". It refers to a family of radar and electronic systems used in military aircraft for ground mapping, navigation, and targeting. PAVE systems were developed during the Cold War era and were widely used in a variety of aircraft, including the F-4 Phantom, the F-111 Aardvark, and the F-15 Eagle.
The PAVE systems typically included a combination of radar and computer equipment, along with advanced displays and targeting systems. The systems were designed to provide high-resolution ground mapping, enabling aircraft to fly low and fast over terrain while avoiding obstacles such as mountains and buildings. They also provided navigation and targeting capabilities, enabling aircraft to accurately locate and engage targets on the ground.
One example of a PAVE system is the PAVE Tack, which was used on the F-4 Phantom and the F-111 Aardvark. The PAVE Tack included a laser designator and rangefinder, along with a targeting pod that could be mounted on the aircraft's external stores. The system allowed for accurate targeting of ground-based enemy forces, even in adverse weather conditions.
Another example is the PAVE Knife, which was used on the F-15 Eagle. The PAVE Knife was a terrain-following radar system that enabled the aircraft to fly at very low altitudes while avoiding obstacles such as mountains and buildings. The system also provided high-resolution ground mapping, enabling the aircraft to accurately locate and engage ground-based targets.
In addition to the PAVE systems, there are several other similar systems used in aerospace. Some examples include:
- LANTIRN: Stands for Low Altitude Navigation and Targeting Infrared for Night. It is a system used in military aircraft for navigation and targeting at low altitudes, particularly at night.
- FLIR: Stands for Forward-Looking Infrared. It is a system used for imaging and targeting that detects infrared radiation emitted by objects.
- SAR: Stands for Synthetic Aperture Radar. It is a type of radar that uses the motion of the radar antenna to create high-resolution images of the ground or other targets.
- HUD: Stands for Heads-Up Display. It is a display system that projects information onto a transparent screen in front of the pilot, enabling them to see important information without looking away from the cockpit.
These systems are all designed to provide advanced capabilities for military aircraft, enabling them to navigate, locate, and engage targets with a high degree of accuracy and precision. While some of these systems may have civilian applications as well, they are primarily used in military contexts.
Overall, the term "pave" is used in the aerospace industry in a variety of contexts, including the development of weapons systems, the targeting of targets, and the construction and maintenance of aircraft landing surfaces.