STEALTH TECHNOLOGY: Into The Depths

By: Heather A Brooks

What Is Stealth Technology? Scientifically known

as low observatory Used in Military

aviation Reduces detection

range of an aircraft Similar to

camouflage tactics used by soldiers

Partial indivisibility to radar and other detection

http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/f117/images/nhawk11.jpg

(“Stealth Technology”, 2008), (Kumar)

How Does Stealth Work?

Uses the principle of reflection and absorption as well as redirection.

Interferes with communication 2 structure surface designs of stealth

aircrafts

› RAS, RAM

(Kumar)

RAS: Radar Absorbent Surfaces Deflects Incoming Radar Reduces detection range Structures include wings, refueling boom Works due to angles of structures and how they are placed.

Should have no 90 degree angles Uses reflection

F-117 “Night Hawk”http://www.aerospaceweb.org/aircraft/bomber/f117/f117_03.jpg

(Kumar)

RAM: Radar Absorbent Material Absorbs radar signals Depends on material of the surfaces Believed to be silicon based organic compound Gives the aircraft appearance to be the size of a bird

B-2 Stealth Bomberhttp://www.aerospaceweb.org/aircraft/bomber/b2/b2_04.jpg

(Sweetman)

IR: Infrared

Another Important Factor that influences stealth Signature given out by aircraft Reduces visibility in thermal imaging systems Depends on where engine in placed Built to have very low IR Top secret technology

(Kumar)

Infrared Aircrafts

Left: B-2 Right: F-22 Center: JSF

http://www.aerospaceweb.org/aircraft/bomber/b2/b2_04.jpg http://www.commutefaster.com/F-22.jpg

http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/images/AIR_F-35_JSF_On_Tarmac_lg.jpg(Kumar)

Plasma Stealth “Active Stealth” Inject Stream of Plasma Covers entire body of aircraft Absorbs most electromagnetic energy of radar First developed by Russians

Soviet Russian Space Program

http://servv89pn0aj.sn.sourcedns.com/~gbpprorg/mil/radar/B2_Conden_1.jpg

(Kumar)

Methods of Avoiding Detection

Carry Weapons Internally Turning Radar off Use wingman

› IFDL: In Flight Data Link

(Day, 2001)

Detection Methods

Triangulate location with a network of radar systems

Method of microwaves similar to cell phone towers

(Kumar)

Disadvantages of Stealth Technology

Cannot fly fast Cannot Maneuver Reduces amount of payload Cost

Equivalent to its own weight in gold

(Kumar)

COST

$2 Billion

$100 Million

$70 Million

(Kumar)

Limitations Sensors to locate targets size Attack on ground targets Airborne laser radar in poor weather Vulnerability to visual detection: 10 miles Special maintenance

(Sweetman)

http://www.groovythemes.com/aviation/stealth_fighter-med.jpg

History of Stealth Technology

Invented by First caveman and leaves Soldiers and trees Submarines and waves, coatings Aircrafts and radar

Cont.(Day, 2001)

History of Stealth Technology

Applying Stealth Technology to airplanes in 1940’s

Began designs in 1950’s 1970’s Mathematician developed Echo 1 1980’s-1990’s Computer availability of

stealth techniques

Cont.(Day, 2001)

History of Stealth Technology First Stealth Aircraft

F-117› Lockheed Martin

ATF Contest› Fought for multi-

billion contract JSF Competition Second World War

used tin and aluminum

Russia, India, China competitors F-117 Stealth

Fighters

http://www.wingweb.co.uk/wingweb/img/600-F-117A_Stealth_fighter_37th_Tonopah.jpg

(Kumar)

F-117 Stealth Aircraft

5 were tested between 1981-1982

Squadron declared operational in 1983

Unveiled from top secrecy in 1989

Became famous in 1991 Persian Gulf War

1999 shot down by Russian missile

Most famous stealth aircraft

59 built by Lockheed for Air Force

http://www.aviationspectator.com/files/images/F-117A-Nighthawk-stealth-fighter-70.jpg

(Day, 2001), (“Stealth Technology”, 2008)

USA F-117

ReferencesDay, D.A. (2001). Stealth aircraft. U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission, Retrieved from http://centennialofflight.gov/essay/Evolution_of_Technology/Stealth_aircraft/Tech3.htm

Day, D.A. (2001). Stealth Technology. U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission, Retrieved from

http://centennialofflight.gov/essay/Evolution_of_Technology/Stealth_aircraft/Tech18.htm

Kumar, A.G. (n.d.). What is Stealth technology?. Total Air Dominance, Retrieved from http://totalairdominance.50megs.com/articles/stealth.htm

Stealth Technology. (2008). The Columbia encyclopedia. Retrieved (2010, April 05) from http://encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-stealtht.html

Sweetman, B. (n.d.). VI- Stealth Aircraft: Eagles Among Sparrows?. Fas.org. Retrieved (2010, April 06) from

http://www.fas.org/spp/aircraft/part06.htm