Modern Stealth Technology

BY:
RUBEN SONTALE
T.E (E&TC)
 Overview
 History
 Radar systems
 F117A
 B-2
 F-22
 Future Applications
 Summary
 DEFINITION
 Stealth technology also known as LO
technology (low observable technology) is a
sub-discipline of military tactics which covers
a range of techniques used for aircrafts, ships,
submarines, and missiles, in order to make
them less visible (ideally invisible) to radar,
infrared, sonars.
 RADAR PRINCIPLES:
 EM wave generation
 Reflection
 Refraction
 Detection
 Signal processing
Most conventional aircraft have a rounded shape. This shape
makes them aerodynamic, but it also creates a very efficient
radar reflector. The round shape means that no matter where
the radar signal hits the plane, some of the signal gets reflected
back:
 A stealth aircraft, on the
other hand, is made up
of completely flat
surfaces and very
sharp edges. When a
radar signal hits a
stealth plane, the signal
reflects away at an
angle, like this:
 DETECTION TECHNIQUES

 RADARS
 DIRECT ECHOES
 JET WAKE
 HEAT DETECTION
 TURBULENCE
DETECTION
 VISUAL
 ACAUSTIC
 How to get Stealthy
 Radar Cross section
(RCS)
The first goal is to cut
down the size of the
aircraft's radar image,
called its "radar cross
section," or RCS. This
normally involves using
radical design features
and some nonmetallic
materials.
 Echo scattering
Curving surfaces on
conventional
aerodynamic bodies
act as scatters,
reflecting radar waves
from any angle and
giving the radar
operator a clear signal.
The right-angled
surfaces at the wing
and tail roots also
reflect radar signals
straight back to their
 R.A.M.

 Materials
 carbon fiber
composites
 magnetic ferrite-
based substance
 RAM reduces the
radar cross section
making the object
appear smaller
Characteristics of Radar-Absorbing
Materials (RAMs)
 Minimize reflectivity
 Dissipate RF energy
 Convert radio frequency
to heat
 Dielectric and/or
magnetic
Heat radiation reduction
 Stealth Technology
Eliminate Corner Reflectors (No right
angles or orthogonal panels on aircraft).

Reflect radar waves away from source.

The most effective way of doing this is
through the use of flat, angled panels
which return the waves in specific
directions away from the source. This
means the elimination of round body
panels. Corner Reflector

Engines must be concealed within the body or

the wing of the aircraft.

Coated with radar absorbent material.

Fuel tank and weapons must also be stored

internally. Faceted Airframe
F-117A Nighthawk/Stealth Fighter
 F-117A Nighthawk/Stealth Fighter
 Developed 1978/Unveiled 1998
 Angles reflect radar
 Saw-tooth edges
 Radar cross-section=flock of geese
 B-2 Spirit

 First flew in 1989 at a cost of $1.3 billion/aircraft

 Curved edges
 Stability issues
 Noise/Infrared/Electronic Signal eminence
 Carbon construction
 B-2 Spirit
 Unit cost-$
737million
 Program cost-$
44.75 billion
 Aerodynamically
unstable
 Causes all radar
waves to bounce in
set directions away
from receiving
stations.
 F-22 RAPTOR
 Continuous curves
 Planform alignment
 Saw-toothed edges
 Engine nozzles
5TH GENERATION AIRCRAFT:
 LIMITATIONS OF STEALTH
 Main Disadvantage of Stealth Aircraft
 Creating a plane with a low RCS conflicts with optimal aerodynamic
design.
 No vertical or horizontal stabilizers. Results in the aircraft being unstable
about all three axes
 Computers continuously fly the aircraft and make minor adjustments to
correct the instabilities inherent to the stealth design.

 Computers compensate for weight of aircraft and whether bomb doors are
open or not.
 If the computer system fails, the aircraft literally becomes uncontrollable.
 EXTREMLY EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE PROJECT
