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Questions tagged [stealth]

A set of techniques used by some military aircraft to avoid being detected by enemy air defences.

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4 answers
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Do similar angles on a plane make it more stealthy?

I learned in my intro to engineering class at my college that 5th gen fighters (which are stealth aircraft) are designed with similar angles to evade radar. Why is this true? Also, does the angle ...
Keegan's user avatar
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54 votes
7 answers
15k views

Why do fighter aircraft manufacturers still focus on making their planes more dogfight-worthy?

In today's age, when dogfights are simply a relic from the past, why do manufacturers keep on increasing their aircraft maneuverability, in order to make them better dogfighters. It is more ...
Madhav Sudarshan's user avatar
42 votes
6 answers
18k views

If all fighter jets become stealthy, how will they fight each other in the future? In dogfights?

I came across this question on dogfight-capable fighter jets still being made. If all aircraft become so stealthy, how will they fight each other? Only in dogfights, I presume. Or am I wrong?
user3624251's user avatar
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56 votes
2 answers
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Why does the F-117 Nighthawk look different than other stealth planes?

The F-117 Nighthawk has flat angled lines where most later designs (B2, F22, F35) have very smooth lines. Why the difference? Are the newer designs 'more stealth'? Do they use a different design to ...
Dan Sorensen's user avatar
12 votes
1 answer
5k views

How are antennas integrated into stealth aircraft?

In Hephaestus Aetnaean's answer to this question, it is mentioned that the F-117 had no radar detection equipment because at the time it was developed the designers had not figured out how to ...
TomMcW's user avatar
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2 votes
6 answers
4k views

Can anti-radiation missiles be used to target stealth fighter aircraft?

What I understand is that anti-radiation missiles are accurate and long range. So, assume that a fighter aircraft is 100% invisible on radar. However, its radar is transmitting energy continuously ...
Bilal Mirza's user avatar
62 votes
5 answers
9k views

How do friendly stealth planes locate each other?

Stealth planes can't be seen (very well) on radar. So one stealth plane should be unable to locate another stealth plane on its radar and vice versa. So how would one stealth plane locate another, ...
Registered User's user avatar
25 votes
5 answers
8k views

Was the intended purpose of the F-117 Nighthawk originally a stealth-fighter?

Based on this question, I learned that the F and A-Letters in the naming of (military) aircraft reflects what their intended purpose is. A: Attack (Air-to-ground) F: Fighter (Air-to-air) their names ...
jklingler's user avatar
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23 votes
3 answers
9k views

If stealth aircraft are invisible to radar, then how does their own Air Force manage them or see them in flight?

Air traffic controlling is a significant deal when it comes to air forces. If a stealth aircraft like the F22 is almost invisible as said, it has cross section of very small metal ball. Then, how does ...
Bilal Mirza's user avatar
17 votes
3 answers
6k views

Why don't stealth aircraft designs use podded engines?

Normally, it seems all the stealth designs dont use podded engines like others. Is this just to avoid the radar cross-section?
NitinG's user avatar
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17 votes
3 answers
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How do stealth aircraft reduce the Heat Signature?

According to the wikipedia article, a stealth plane requires the following features in order to reduce its radar signature and thermal detection: Reducing thermal emission from thrust Reducing ...
Victor Juliet's user avatar
16 votes
1 answer
3k views

Is it legal to make a non-military stealth plane?

Just as military camouflage can be legally worn by civilians on most jurisdictions (e.g., in the U.S.), can I create a stealth aircraft for non-military use? More precisely, can I register and fly the ...
Mark Garcia's user avatar
12 votes
5 answers
4k views

How does ATC locate a stealth aircraft if its transponder fails?

Stealth aircraft are built to have near-zero radar visibility, so that, in a warzone, it'll be harder for the enemy to see it on their radars to shoot it down. However, air traffic control also use ...
Vikki's user avatar
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10 votes
2 answers
3k views

How does the F-22 Raptor radar reflector work?

The F-22 Raptor (and other stealth aircraft) can be made more visible to radar by using radar reflectors, or in other words, radar cross section (RCS) enhancers. In the comments section of this answer ...
Jpe61's user avatar
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7 votes
3 answers
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Can the signature of stealth fighters be uncovered, and then used for future detections?

A recent theaviationist.com article speculates that the reason behind the 'Combat Sent' and other SIGINT aircraft escorting the F-35's over Estonia two days ago was to deter Russia from using its ...
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7 votes
3 answers
3k views

Why do many stealth aircraft have a similar shape and design?

I have been playing around on a bunch of programs with stealth planes and their general shape. I know that they are required to be flat and have some sort of special material/paint on to 'absorb' the ...
Zapamwamba's user avatar
6 votes
1 answer
3k views

What trade-offs are being made in the design of the planform alignment of stealth aircraft?

Stealth technology uses angles in the aircraft shape, and homogeneous orientation of the surfaces. In the F-22A Raptor wing leading edges, tail surfaces, air intake bypass doors, refueling aperture, ...
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