What are the current challenges and limitations of stealth technology?

1 How stealth works

Stealth technology works by reducing the radar cross section (RCS) of an object, which is a measure of how much radar energy it reflects back to the source. This can be achieved by shaping the object to deflect or scatter the radar waves, or by coating it with materials that absorb or cancel out the radar signals. Stealth technology also involves minimizing other sources of emission, such as heat, sound, or radio waves, that could reveal the object's presence or location.

2 How radar detects stealth

Radar systems can detect stealth objects by using different methods, such as increasing the power, frequency, or resolution of the radar signals, or by combining multiple radar sources or sensors to create a more accurate picture of the environment. Some radar systems can also use passive or bistatic modes, which rely on ambient or reflected signals from other sources, such as TV or radio stations, to detect stealth objects without emitting their own signals.

3 How stealth evolves

Stealth technology is constantly evolving to counter the advances in radar systems, and vice versa. For example, some stealth aircraft use active cancellation techniques, which emit signals that interfere with the incoming radar waves, to reduce their RCS. However, this also makes them more vulnerable to passive or bistatic radar systems, which can detect the emitted signals. Another example is the development of low-observable (LO) or very-low-observable (VLO) technologies, which aim to reduce the RCS of an object to the point where it is indistinguishable from the background noise or clutter.

4 How stealth compromises

Stealth technology is not without compromises, and it often involves trade-offs between performance, cost, and reliability. For instance, stealth objects usually have to sacrifice aerodynamics, payload, or maneuverability to achieve a lower RCS, which can affect their speed, range, or agility. Stealth objects also have to maintain their stealth features, such as coatings or cancellation systems, which can be damaged by wear and tear, weather, or enemy fire. Stealth technology also requires a lot of investment and maintenance, which can limit its availability and affordability.

5 How stealth deceives

Stealth technology is not only about reducing visibility, but also about creating deception. Stealth objects can use various techniques to confuse or mislead radar systems, such as jamming, spoofing, or decoying. Jamming involves emitting noise or false signals to interfere with the radar detection or tracking. Spoofing involves creating fake or altered signals to disguise the object's identity or location. Decoying involves deploying dummy or sacrificial objects to divert or distract the radar attention or resources.

6 How stealth challenges

Stealth technology poses several challenges for both the users and the adversaries of stealth objects. For the users, stealth technology requires a high level of coordination and integration with other systems, such as communications, intelligence, or navigation, to ensure the effectiveness and safety of the stealth operations. For the adversaries, stealth technology requires a high level of innovation and adaptation to develop and deploy counter-stealth measures, such as improved radar systems, sensors, or weapons.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?