‘Stealth‘, a necessary embedded feature in modern day’s fighter jets are designed to avoid detection using a variety of technologies that reduces reflection, emission of radar, infrared, visible light, radio frequency spectrum, and audio collectively known as stealth technology.
The phenomenon was first discovered by Pyotr Ufimtsev, a Russian physicist, published many research papers on predicting the reflection of electromagnetic waves-radar waves. The Soviet Union failing to understand the gravity discoveries could not capitalize on it. It was, however, comprehensively explored by aerospace engineers at Lockheed and produced the Lockheed F-117A Nighthawk stealth “fighter.” Since then stealth has become an integral part of every fighter jet deployed by the United States.
Below are mentioned the most dangerous stealth weapon of war.
SR-71 Blackbird
The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird is long-range, high-altitude, Mach 3+ strategic reconnaissance aircraft used by United States Air Force. It was developed in 1960. SR-71 operated at high speeds and altitudes to allow it to outrace threats. It incorporated four stealth features in its design. Surfaces were designed to avoid reflecting radar waves.
Second, the aircraft’s wings, tails, and fuselage made use of composites, alternating with titanium, on the idea that composites were radar-absorbing. Third, the massive J-58 afterburning engines with their large air-gulping inlets were positioned close to the fuselage of the airplane. The fourth feature incorporates into SR-71 was a black paint infused with tiny iron ferrite spheres. It gives its distinctive blackbird look and helped reduced the plane’s radar cross-section.
The F-22 is designed to provide minimal radar and infrared signature the two primary homing mechanisms for air-to-air missiles. The radar cross-section of F-22 is approximate to a ‘steel marble’.
F-117 Nighthawk
It was developed from the top-secret Blue Have project and incorporated in itself stealth technology. It emphasized a low-radar signature over aerodynamic performance, and needed fly-by-wire, to avoid losing control during flight. It participated in various missions in Panama, Baghdad, and Kosovo before being retired in 2008.
B-2 spirit
It was America’s first built truly stealthy strategic bomber. The tailless design was intended to diminish aircraft’s radar signature, was used in penetrating in the Soviet defence system during a nuclear war.
F-22 Raptor
It was the first functional stealth fighter produced to replace F-15 Eagle. F-22 has an advantage of air-to-air combat over F-117, B-2, and F-22. It is classified as the world’s best fighter jets, outclassing other fighter jets and most suitable for fifth-generation warfare. The F-22 is designed to provide minimal radar and infrared signature the two primary homing mechanisms for air-to-air missiles. The radar cross-section of F-22 is approximate to a ‘steel marble’.
0hio-class Nuclear Missile Submarine
Not only in aircraft,t but submarines also produced with an embedded feature of stealth, Ohio-class nuclear missile submarine with an additional feature of a ballistic missile, tops the list of the most powerful mix of lethality and stealth.
Its stealthy features include a cylindrical, fish-shaped hull for fast movement with minimum noise. Its noise-producing equipment is set on sound-isolating mounts. It also consists of two steam turbines, one for quiet operation.