Figure 7-10. Example of the effects of cloud cover on an air
avenue of approach.
Partial cloud cover (4/8 to 6/8) can create conditions of extreme glare, making
visual target acquisition difficult. High performance aircraft will often attempt
to use broken clouds and the associated glare to avoid detection prior to entering
their attack profile.
TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY
Temperature and humidity have a severe effect on aircraft operations when
encountered in extremes. Both affect air density, decreasing aircraft propulsion
system efficiency, increasing fuel consumption, and ultimately reducing aircraft
payloads. These effects are especially pronounced when aircraft are forced to
operate from fields over 5,280 feet (1 mile, or 1,608 meters) above sea level.
Temperature and humidity extremes make both aircraft and air defense system
maintenance difficult. Extremes increase the potential for temperature-related
personnel injuries (heat or cold) and equipment failure (high temperatures and
humidity promote corrosion) and may impose special supply or logistics problems
(for example, special coolants and so forth).
IT 0462
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