Power arcade: Stealth weapon systems

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China is preparing a major upgrade of its J-20 mighty dragon stealth fighter. According to a report in the South China Morning Post early this year, the enhancements are intended to strengthen the aircraft’s role in future air combat. Developed by the Chengdu Aircraft Corporation, J-20 is China’s first operational fifth-generation stealth fighter and most advanced combat aircraft currently in service.

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Stealth technology, also termed low observable technology (LO technology), is a sub-discipline of military tactics and passive and active electronic countermeasures.[1] The term covers a range of methods used to make personnel, aircraft, ships, submarines, missiles, satellites, and ground vehicles less visible (ideally invisible) to radar, infrared,[2] sonar and other detection methods. It corresponds to military camouflage for these parts of the electromagnetic spectrum (i.e., multi-spectral camouflage).

Development of modern stealth technologies in the United States began in 1958,[3][4] where earlier attempts to prevent radar tracking of its U-2 spy planes during the Cold War by the Soviet Union had been unsuccessful.[5] Designers turned to developing a specific shape for planes that tended to reduce detection by redirecting electromagnetic radiation waves from radars.[6] Radiation-absorbent material was also tested and made to reduce or block radar signals that reflect off the surfaces of aircraft. Such changes to shape and surface composition comprise stealth technology as currently used on the Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit "Stealth Bomber".[4]