Low-observable technology relies on angular airframe shaping to deflect electromagnetic waves away from the receiver and radar-absorbent materials to dissipate the remaining energy. Engineers also mask the engine exhaust to reduce the infrared signature. These combined measures shrink the radar cross section of a large bomber to the size of a small bird on an operator's screen.
Heard on the job
You can't just patch the skin on a stealth platform with standard aluminum; it ruins the radar cross section.
Insider tip
Maintainers hate working on stealth coatings because the radar-absorbent materials are highly toxic, fragile, and require meticulous application.
Also heard as
- low-observable