// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
Stealth
Stealth refers to technologies and design principles used to make military vehicles, such as aircraft, ships, and missiles, difficult or impossible for enemy sensors to detect.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Stealth, or low observable (LO) technology, is a set of design principles and materials engineering employed in military platforms (e.g., stealth aircraft, ships, UCAVs, missiles) to minimize their detection by reducing various signature types, including radar cross-section (RCS), infrared (IR) emissions, acoustic noise, and visual observability, thus enhancing survivability and mission effectiveness.
BACKGROUND
The Chengdu J-20, also known as Weilong, is a twin-engine all-weather stealth fighter developed by China's Chengdu Aircraft Corporation between 2011 and 2018 for the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). The J-20 is designed as an air superiority fighter with precision strike capability. The aircraft has three notable variants: the initial production model, the revised airframe variant with new engines and thrust-vectoring control, and the aircraft-teaming capable twin-seat variant.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Low Observable (LO)
- Stealth Technology
- Signature Reduction
- LO Technology
- Radar Evading
USAGE NOTE
Stealth is a critical design feature for advanced combat aircraft and naval vessels, allowing them to penetrate defended airspace or waters undetected.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Stealth.
Known for developing iconic stealth aircraft such as the F-117 Nighthawk, F-22 Raptor, and F-35 Lightning II, Skunk Works continues to advance low-observable technologies and integrated stealth platforms.
A leader in stealth bomber technology, Northrop Grumman developed the B-2 Spirit and is the prime contractor for the B-21 Raider, emphasizing advanced low-observable characteristics and survivability.
Involved in future combat air systems like Tempest, BAE Systems researches and develops advanced materials, signature management, and electronic warfare capabilities crucial for stealth platforms.
As a key player in the European Future Combat Air System (FCAS/SCAF), Dassault Aviation is actively engaged in developing next-generation stealth fighter technology and signature reduction for its aircraft.
While known for the Gripen fighter, Saab also conducts extensive research in advanced sensor fusion, electronic warfare, and signature management techniques that contribute to low-observability and survivability in contested environments.
DARPA funds groundbreaking research into various technologies, including advanced materials, aerodynamic designs, and counter-stealth measures, which are foundational to future stealth capabilities.
AFRL is the primary scientific research and development center for the United States Air Force, conducting extensive research into materials, sensor integration, and signature management for low-observable aircraft and systems.
KAI is developing the KF-21 Boramae, a 4.5 generation fighter with design elements and planned future upgrades incorporating stealth features, marking a significant step in indigenous stealth aircraft development.