// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
Very Low Observable
Very Low Observable refers to advanced stealth technology that makes military platforms, like aircraft, exceptionally difficult to detect by enemy radar, infrared, and other sensing systems. It signifies a superior level of signature reduction compared to standard low observable capabilities.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Very Low Observable (VLO) denotes a state-of-the-art signature reduction capability for military assets, particularly aircraft, engineered to minimize detectability across multiple sensor modalities including radar cross-section (RCS), infrared (IR), acoustic, and visual signatures, ensuring high survivability in hostile operational environments.
BACKGROUND
Stealth technology, also termed low observable technology, is a sub-discipline of military tactics and passive and active electronic countermeasures. The term covers a range of methods used to make personnel, aircraft, ships, submarines, missiles, satellites, and ground vehicles less visible to radar, infrared, sonar and other detection methods. It corresponds to military camouflage for these parts of the electromagnetic spectrum.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- VLO
- Advanced Stealth
- Extreme Low Observable
- Signature Reduction
- Hyper-stealth
USAGE NOTE
The term VLO is typically reserved for highly advanced stealth platforms, like the F-22 Raptor or B-2 Spirit, to emphasize their superior ability to penetrate heavily defended airspace undetected.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Very Low Observable.
Known for developing highly advanced and often classified aircraft, including many of the world's most prominent very low observable (stealth) platforms like the F-117 Nighthawk, F-22 Raptor, and F-35 Lightning II.
A leading developer of stealth aircraft, most notably the B-2 Spirit bomber and the next-generation B-21 Raider, both designed with very low observable characteristics to penetrate sophisticated air defenses.
Engages in the development of advanced defense technologies, including stealth and electronic warfare systems for next-generation combat aircraft programs like Tempest, aiming for very low observability.
Boeing's advanced research and development division, focused on developing next-generation aerospace and defense capabilities, including concepts and technologies for future very low observable platforms and systems.
A Swedish defense and security company involved in developing advanced combat aircraft like the Gripen, which incorporates low observable features, and investing in future very low observable technologies for air and naval platforms.
A French aerospace company known for its Rafale fighter jet and a key player in the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program, which aims to develop next-generation combat aircraft with very low observable capabilities.
A division of Airbus actively involved in the development of future combat aircraft and systems, including as a partner in the FCAS program, focusing on integrating advanced technologies for very low observability.