A stealth jet is a type of aircraft designed to avoid detection by radar. It is often used for strategic bombing missions. It allows conventional aircraft to easily sneak into enemy airspace, strike a heavily defended command centre or surface-to-air missile system without being detected.
Stealth plane design involves many technologies, such as the design of the aircraft, shaped propellers and internal construction. You can choose from a range of materials including carbon-fibre and high-strength plastics which have the ability to absorb radar signal.
Stealthy shapes deflect radar echoes away from the source. This is why aircraft designers avoid flat surfaces. Instead, they design shapes that reflect less radiation back to the sensor. This technique is known as parallel alignment of edges or surfaces, and it's an important part of stealth design.
Another stealth technology involves a coating of radar absorbent material on the aircraft’s exterior. This is a material which can absorb electromagnetic waves.
Some stealth aircraft have reentrant Triangles hidden behind their skin. These trap radar signals and reflect them outside. These structures can be made from a variety of materials, including composites and iron ball paints.
The F-117 Nighthawk is the world's original operational stealth fighter. The F-117 Nighthawk flew its first flight in 1983. 59 more were made until 2008. In 2008, it was retired from active service.
Many stealth fighters are currently in development, the B-21 Raider being one of them. These aircraft are built to be stealthy, and can carry a large payload.
F-22 Raptor was the second generation stealth fighter. This aircraft is capable of "supercruise" at supersonic speeds and has the ability to carry weapons internally.
While stealth is not a perfect solution to the problems of air warfare, it can make it much more difficult for an enemy to spot a stealthy aircraft and take out the pilot with heat-seeking missiles. It can allow an attacker operate in a more dangerous environment, and increase his chances of success against a heavily defensed target.
However, it is important not to forget that stealth technology is not an end all. Although it's useful, it needs to be used in combination with other weapons for maximum effectiveness.
China is believed have been working on a new stealth airplane in recent years. Although the aircraft will look similar to the Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit flying wing, it is expected its capabilities will surpass that of the latter.
The aircraft has been designed to be as flexible as possible. This means that it can fly off of carriers and bomb targets as well as perform other roles. The aircraft also features advanced sensors and a sophisticated weapon system. It is also manufactured in a state of the art process, which will allow it to remain stealthy and avoid detection by most aerial defenses.