Stealth aircraft are aircraft that use stealth technology to interfere with radar detection as well as means other than conventional aircraft by employing a combination of features to reduce visibility in the infrared, visual, audio, and radio frequency (RF) spectrum. Development of stealth technology likely began in Germany during WWII. Well-known modern examples of stealth aircraft include the United States' F-117 Nighthawk(1981–2008), the B-2 Spirit "Stealth Bomber", the F-22 Raptor, and the F-35 Lightning II. and the Russian Sukhoi PAK FA.
While no aircraft is totally invisible to radar, stealth aircraft prevent conventional radar from detecting or tracking the aircraft effectively, reducing the odds of an attack to a 15% chances of being attacked. Stealth is accomplished by using a complex design philosophy to reduce the ability of an opponent's sensors to detect, track, or attack the stealth aircraft. This philosophy also takes into account the heat, sound, and other emissions of the aircraft as these can also be used to locate it.
Stealth is the combination of passive low observable (LO) features and active emitters such as Low Probability of Intercept Radars, radios and laser designators. These are usually combined with active defenses such as Chaff, Flares, and ECM. It is accomplished by using a complex design philosophy to reduce the ability of an opponent's sensors to detect, track, or attack the stealth aircraft. This philosophy also takes into account the heat, sound, and other emissions of the aircraft as these can also be used to locate it.
Full-size stealth combat aircraft demonstrators have been flown by the United States (in 1977), Russia (in 2010) and China (in 2011), while the US miliary has already adopted three stealth designs, and is preparing to adopt another..
Most recent fighter designs will at least claim to have some sort of stealth, low observable, reduced RCS or radar jamming capability, but as of yet there has been no actual air to air combat experience against stealth aircraft.
Astounding leaps in airplane technology have yielded a new sort of defensive weapon: stealth. Planes capable of dropping nuclear bombs can now fly invisibly into enemy airspace, drop a payload, and fly back out without even being detected.
The way most airplane identification works is by constantly bombarding airspace with a RADAR signal. When a plane flies into the path of the RADAR, a signal bounces back to a sensor that determines the size and location of the plane. Other methods focus on measuring acoustic (sound) disturbances, visual contact, and infrared (heat) signatures.
Stealth technologies work by reducing or eliminating these telltale signals. Panels on planes are angled so that radar is scattered and no signal returns. Planes are also covered in a layer of absorbent materials that reduce any other signature the plane might leave. Shape also has a lot to do with the `invisibility' of stealth planes. Extreme aerodynamics keep air turbulence to a minimum and cut down on flying noise. The B-2 stealth bomber has a "bat-wing" shape to reduce its RADAR cross-section, as well as visual recognition, especially on the horizon. Special low-noise engines are contained inside the body of the plane. Hot fumes are then capable of being mixed with cool air before leaving the plane. This fools heat sensors on the ground. This also keeps heat seeking missiles from getting any sort of a lock on their targets.
Stealth technology was initially developed to bypass intense Soviet defense systems. Since the end of the Cold War, stealth has proved itself in various conflicts. During the Gulf War, 56 Stealth Bombers flew 1,270 missions, and were never hit.
At a cost of $2 billion each, stealth bombers are not yet available worldwide, but military forces around the world will soon begin to attempt to mimic some of the key features of stealth planes, making the skies much more dangerous.
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